Where is the pain? A qualitative analysis of Ghana's opioid (tramadol) 'crisis' and youth perspectives.

ABSTRACT: Over the last five years, media reports in West African countries have suggested a tramadol abuse 'crisis' characterised by a precipitous rise in use by youth in the region. This discourse is connected to evidence of an emerging global opioid crisis. While the reported increase in tramadol abuse in West Africa is likely true, few studies have critically interrogated structural explanations for tramadol use by youth. Nascent academic literature has sought to explain the rise in drug use as a function of moral weakness among youth. This Ghanaian case study draws on primary and secondary data sources to explore the pain that precedes tramadol abuse. Through a discourse analysis of 295 media articles and 15 interviews (11 with youth who currently use tramadol and 4 with health system stakehold

SUBMITTER: Alhassan JAK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10021380 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature