Strong painkillers - a new way to get legally high

A growing number of young boys are taking large doses of prescribed and over-the-counter painkillers which gives a high similar to heroin, a top police official told Emirates 24|7.

"Many of them lose their lives due to overdose of these painkillers. These medicines are mainly used for cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and other strong pain ailments," said Major General Abdul Jaleel Mahdi Mohammed, Director of General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police.

Maj Gen Abdul Jaleel added that those who consume such medicines include drug addicts and others who just want to try it for fun.

"Many university students try these medicines to reach a high. This is dangerous. Unfortunately, many of them end up becoming drug addicts as these medicines are more serious than drugs. It is more difficult to quit addiction than other strong drugs such as heroin. The problem is that these boys are unaware of this and they don't count the serious consequences of falling for such type of experience."

He added: " We got many cases where the victims died due to overdoes of such medicines."

Maj Gen Abdul Jaleel pointed out that the other side-effects of consuming high doses of these medicines are increase in heart beats, heart attacks and eventually death.

He added: "As for the drug addicts, they go for these pain killers because there is no fear of being caught by the police, the difficulties of getting illegal drugs, or the high cost of banned drugs."

Maj Gen Abdul Jaleel called upon the parents and families to be more careful and keep an eye on their children.

"Families play a key role in combating drugs. They are the first who must control this and stop their kids from getting into this deadly habit. They must spend more time with their children and try to know what they are doing and who are their friends. This is not only for boys. It must be the same for boys and girls," he stressed.

He also advised the youth to stop such practices. "These practices are dangerous, and it will eventually lead to a disaster. It will ruin your lives and future. The pleasure you get from such addiction is not worth destroying your their lives."