By Emma Black
Dr. Santigie Sesay, a leading expert in public health, is spearheading initiatives to address neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and optical health issues in Sierra Leone. Recognizing that these often-overlooked conditions disproportionately affect underserved communities, Dr. Sesay is committed to raising awareness, improving treatment access, and strengthening local health systems.
Health experts Dr. Santigie Sesay raising alarm over a dangerous practice increasingly seen among Sierra Leonean youth: using alcohol, soda, or energy drinks to swallow medications. Social media trends and movie portrayals may make this look harmless, but medical professionals stress it is both unsafe and harmful.
Medical authorities warn that mixing medications with beverages other than water can interfere with how the drugs work and may cause serious side effects, Alcohol, Can interact with medicines, making them less effective or even toxic. It may damage the liver, trigger dizziness, drowsiness, or cause stomach bleeding.
Sodas & Sugary Drinks The acidity and carbonation can alter how drugs break down in the body, either too quickly or too slowly, reducing their effectiveness. Energy Drinks: Containing caffeine and stimulants, these can increase heart rate and blood pressure, creating dangerous interactions with certain medications.
The safest choice is always clean water, unless a healthcare professional provides other instructions. Water ensures proper absorption and allows the medicine to work as intended.
Dr. Santigie Sesay said substance use among adolescents is a growing concern in Sierra Leone, with studies showing how alcohol, energy drinks, and other substances affect young people’s health. Alcohol Consumption: According to a 2024 BMJ Open study, 10.7% of in-school adolescents reported current alcohol use. Factors linked to higher consumption included senior secondary school attendance, bullying, sexual activity, truancy, and prior marijuana use. Parental support and guidance were shown to reduce the likelihood of alcohol use.
Energy Drinks: Although data is limited on using energy drinks with medications, consumption of caffeinated and sugary beverages is widespread among youth. These drinks can exacerbate side effects when combined with medicines.
Drug Abuse, A 2024 Lancet study highlighted rising use of substances such as kush, amphetamines, and cannabis among adolescents. Synthetic drugs like kush are particularly concerning due to risks of addiction and psychiatric disorders.
In 2024, President Julius Maada Bio declared a national emergency on substance abuse, citing its growing public health threat. The government created a national task force to implement awareness campaigns, enforce stricter laws, and provide rehabilitation services for affected youth.
Experts emphasize that combining medications with alcohol, soda, or energy drinks poses serious health risks. While specific data on youth using these beverages to swallow medicines is limited, the overall prevalence of substance use underscores the need for urgent intervention. Education, prevention programs, and access to proper healthcare are key to ensuring young people make safe choices.
Health authorities urge parents, teachers, and caregivers to guide young people toward safe medication practices and discourage risky behaviors. Never let what you see online or in films dictate how you take your medicine, a local doctor advised. Water is your safest option.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
