Jensen Brian Abass Cummings

From “Kush” To “Tramadol”: Sierra Leone’s New Drug Crisis

In recent times, Sierra Leone has taken commendable strides in its fight against the abuse of synthetic drugs, particularly the notorious Kush. This substance wreaked havoc on communities, trapping thousands of young people in cycles of addiction, psychosis, and, in many cases, death. Thanks to intensified government interventions, security crackdowns, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with civil society, Kush is now on the decline.

But as the supply chain for Kush tightens, another threat has quietly emerged to take its place—Tramadol. This pharmaceutical painkiller, once seen only in hospital settings, is now the new drug of choice for many Sierra Leoneans, especially the youth. Its use is no longer limited to medical necessity; it has entered the social space as a recreational and performance-enhancing substance. The implications of this shift are as serious as they are urgent.

The Kush Battle: A Step Forward in Drug Control

The Government of Sierra Leone, through law enforcement agencies, the Pharmacy Board, and national drug enforcement units, has taken a strong position on the Kush epidemic. Raids on distribution dens, arrests of suppliers, and the burning of seized substances have sent a clear message that drug abuse will not be tolerated. These efforts, backed by media and community support, have reduced the prevalence of Kush in many urban and rural communities.

With reduced availability has come increased price, making Kush less accessible to users who once relied on its affordability. But this success story is now facing a new challenge

Enter Tramadol: The Rising Danger

Tramadol is a prescription opioid analgesic designed to relieve moderate to severe pain. When used under medical supervision, it can be a safe and effective tool for pain management. However, in Sierra Leone today, Tramadol is being misused at alarming rates, with little understanding of its risks.

Available in tablets and capsules—often 50mg, 100mg, or even 200mg—Tramadol is now being sold on street corners, in unregulated drug stores, and even by peddlers in markets. Its affordability and the absence of tight regulation make it an easy substitute for Kush.

Why Are People Turning to Tramadol?

The reasons for the increasing use of Tramadol are multifaceted, reflecting the complex socio-economic realities facing many Sierra Leoneans:

1. Economic Hardship & Labour Demands
   Many young people involved in physical labor—construction, bike riding (okada), farming—claim that taking Tramadol allows them to work long hours without fatigue. To them, it’s a performance drug, helping them endure harsh conditions for survival.
2. Sexual Enhancement
   Among youth, particularly males, Tramadol is commonly used to increase sexual stamina. Some claim it enhances their experience or helps them last longer during intercourse—a perception not grounded in medical fact and laden with dangerous side effects.
3. Desire to “Feel High” or Escape Reality
   With unemployment, depression, and limited recreational opportunities, some youths turn to the drug to “feel good” or escape stress. The drug provides a temporary euphoria, leading to repeat use and eventual addiction.
4. Peer Pressure & Cultural Glorification
   The street term “Man Don Bos” (loosely translated in Krio as “The man is now charged” or “activated”) reflects how the use of Tramadol has been normalized and even celebrated in some circles. The phrase glorifies the feeling of being high, energetic, or sexually dominant—a dangerous narrative that fuels abuse.

The Hidden Dangers of Tramadol Abuse

While some may view Tramadol as a lesser evil compared to Kush, its misuse is equally life-threatening:

• Addiction and Dependence: Regular use can lead to physical and psychological addiction, making it difficult to function without the drug.
• Seizures and Comas: High doses or mixing with alcohol and other substances can trigger seizures or put users into comas.
• Mental Health Issues: Users often suffer from hallucinations, paranoia, anxiety, and mood disorders.
• Sexual and Reproductive Harm: Ironically, long-term abuse may lead to erectile dysfunction and fertility issues.
• Organ Damage: The liver, kidneys, and brain are all at risk of long-term damage.

A National Crisis in the Making

If not urgently addressed, Tramadol abuse could spiral into a full-blown public health emergency. It is not just a youth issue—it’s a community issue, a national issue. From rural farmers to urban labourers, from high school dropouts to university students, people from all walks of life are falling prey to this drug.

It is heartbreaking to see vibrant young men and women lose their futures to a pill that offers only momentary relief and lasting damage.

What Can Be Done? A Shared Responsibility

The fight against Tramadol abuse must now be a national priority, and it demands a holistic approach:

• Government & Law Enforcement: Just as was done with Kush, the government must now enforce stricter controls on the importation, sale, and distribution of pharmaceutical opioids. Licenses must be reviewed, rogue pharmacies shut down, and cross-border trafficking tackled.
• Health Sector: The Ministry of Health should invest in drug rehabilitation centers, mental health support, and public education campaigns that explain the real dangers of Tramadol abuse.
• Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone: Monitoring mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure that painkillers like Tramadol are sold only with prescriptions from qualified medical professionals.
• Community Leaders and Religious Bodies: These institutions must speak out. Silence only allows the problem to grow. Sermons, town hall meetings, and community radios should be used to educate the masses.
• Youth Empowerment Programs: Employment, skills training, and creative youth engagement will reduce the appeal of drugs as a coping mechanism.

Final Thoughts: Let Us Act Now

Sierra Leone cannot afford to lose another generation to drugs. The slogan “Man Don Bos” may sound harmless or humorous, but behind it lies a story of broken dreams, failing health, and early graves.

To every young person: You don’t need a pill to feel powerful. You don’t need a drug to feel important. Your potential is far greater than a capsule can offer.

To every policymaker: The time to act is now. Let us treat this not as a trend, but as the national emergency that it is.

Let us all rise with one voice and say: Enough is enough. No to Kush. No to Tramadol. Yes to a better future.