Causes and Implications of Codeine Cough Syrup Addiction among Adolescents in Kano State Nigeria

Abstract

There has been a steady rise in the incidences of drug addiction throughout the 
world. This study examined the causes and implications of codeine cough syrup 
addiction among adolescents in Kano State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study 
were to find out the prevalent causes and implications of codeine cough syrup 
addiction among adolescents in Kano State, Nigeria. A cross sectional survey was 
adopted for the study. A sample of one hundred (100) respondents who were 
adolescents and were willing to be part of the study were purposively selected for 
the study. A researcher developed and validated questionnaire was used to collect 
data for the study. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained using a split 
half method. The correlation coefficient was .87r. Data were analysed using Mean 
and Standard Deviation. Findings revealed that there is a significant difference in 
the causes of codeine cough syrup addiction among male and female adolescents in 
kano State (Pvalue=0.001<0.05). Some of the causes were peer pressure, 
failure in school, permissive parents, curiosity, boredom, willingness to try new 
things and willingness to rebel against parents are the causes of codeine cough 
syrup addiction among adolescents in the study area. Findings also revealed 
that, codeine cough syrup abuse has led to blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, 
drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, vomiting and nausea, difficulty in breathing, 
among others.