The codeine diet isn’t just
another hit song by Tiwa Savage and DJ Enimoney. It is an actual diet—an addiction
to codeine syrup which millions of Nigerians have been struggling to conceal or
quit.
“Nigeria has a drug addiction
crisis. Thousands of Nigerians are addicted to codeine cough syrup,” said
Godwin Ogbu MD, a drug addiction therapist and researcher at the University of
Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
“Many don’t understand that a
codeine diet can destroy a person’s mental and physical health.”
The codeine diet shows the extent
of drug abuse in Nigeria
The drug abuse epidemic recently
attracted the attention of the BBC. They produced a documentary titled Sweet,
Sweet Codeine. The documentary exposed the illegal production and consumption
of codeine-based cough syrup. Shortly after the release of this documentary,
the Nigerian government banned the importation and production of codeine-based
cough syrup.
But this is just a short-term
solution. With the porous borders and weak healthcare regulatory system,
codeine addiction will worsen except proactive measures are taken to
rehabilitate existing addicts.
Getting off the codeine diet– an
uphill battle
A survey has shown that many
addicts want to get off the codeine diet but many of these people don’t know
how to start the detox process.
“Codeine addicts in Nigeria can
take steps to come off this addiction. Of course, they can go to rehabilitation
centers or they can slowly make certain lifestyle changes—such as consuming
detoxifying foods and drinks,” says Dr. Godwin Ogbu.
The following foods and drinks
can speed up the detoxification process and help addicts break free from the
codeine diet.
- Water
If you are trying to get off
drugs, it is important to drink the right kinds of fluids. Resist the
temptation to turn to alcohol. Water is the best source of hydration for
recovering addicts.
“Research studies have shown that
addicts need to hydrate their systems. The recommended amount of water is about
ten to twelve glasses of water daily,” said Ogbu.
“Water is an effective cleanser,
especially when it’s lukewarm. Drinking two to three glasses of warm water
first thing in the morning helps to remove toxins from the kidney and liver.”
Water also helps to reduce the
intensity of withdrawal.
2. Eat protein-rich foods
Sustaining the body on a codeine
diet leads to the deterioration of the organs and the brain cells.
During recovery, the body
requires a lot of protein to repair damaged organs, tissues and cells. If an
addict is in the process of getting rid of a codeine diet addiction, they
should eat a lot of beans, fish, yogurt, chicken, eggs, groundnuts, coconuts,
cashew nuts and tiger nuts.
3. Eat non-trans, healthy fats and
oils
Fats and oils are good for the
body of a recovering addict. They help nourish and satisfy the body. A
satisfied body is less likely to crave drugs.
“Foods rich in Omega 3 fatty
acids suppress cravings and release happiness hormones. Just what every
recovering addict needs,” said Ogbu.
To get off codeine addiction,
recovering addicts should eat plenty of wild fatty fish, avocados, coconuts,
groundnuts, and tiger nuts.
4. Eat lots of fruits and veggies to
reverse the effects of the codeine diet
Fruits contain high amounts of
antioxidants and fiber, which help to cleanse the digestive gut and remove
harmful substances. Vegetables are also rich in vitamins and minerals that help
boost the immune system.
“Lemons, oranges, limes, bananas,
avocados and sour sops are potent gut-cleansing fruits. As for vegetables, the
green-leafy variety such as ugu, bitter leaves, garden egg leaves, water leaves
and scent leaves (a.k.a ncheanwu or effirin) are the best. Eat many colorful
vegetables too. Cucumbers, garden eggs, carrots and cabbages are great sources
of fiber and vitamins,” said Ogbu.
5. Brew and drink fresh or dried
ginger tea to wean form the codeine diet
Ginger is good for the liver,
especially when one is actively trying to get rid of the excess codeine in the
system. The gingerol in the ginger tea will help recovering addicts sweat out
residues of the codeine diet.
6. Cut out unhealthy trans fats and
junk food
Foods fried in hydrogenated oils
are unhealthy for everyone. Not only do they introduce free radicals into the
system, they can also overwork the liver and slow down the detoxing process.
Choose healthier meal options.
Eat more plant-based whole-meal foods.
7. Choose liver-friendly foods
To speed up addiction recovery,
eat foods that promote optimal liver health. Examples of such foods include
cabbage, ugu, bitter leaves, garden egg leaves, water leaves, lettuce, kale and
many other green leafy veggies. Ensure that you eat these vegetables when they
are close to their natural state. Don’t overcook your vegetables.
As musicians draw our attentions
to the drug addiction problems in Nigeria, experts can use the opportunity to
offer help to struggling addicts. Sharing knowledge about addiction recovery is
one of the best ways to rehabilitate addicts.
This article was first published
on AfricaParent.com
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