Drug Abuse and Its Link to Antimicrobial Resistance: A Public Health Perspective

Drug abuse is a growing concern in Ghana, particularly among the youth. It refers to the misuse or excessive use of substances — including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illicit substances — in ways that harm physical, mental, and social well-being.

This issue not only threatens individual health but also undermines national development by robbing the country of its future leaders.

Recent data from the Ghanaian Ministry of Health reveals alarming trends: nearly 13% of Ghanaian youth consume alcohol, 17% use marijuana, and 8% report using hard drugs such as heroin and amphetamines A. These behaviors are driven by factors such as unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of education, and they contribute to a cascade of health and social problems.

One of the lesser-known consequences of drug abuse is its contribution to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) — a silent but deadly threat to global health. This article explores the connection between drug misuse and AMR, the role of medical laboratory scientists in combating it, and recommendations for responsible healthcare practices.

Health Effects of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse affects every dimension of human health:

• Physical harm: Substances like tramadol, cocaine, and marijuana damage vital organs including the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. They weaken the immune system and increase vulnerability to infections. Injectable drug use with unsterile needles spreads diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.
• Mental health deterioration: Drug abuse impairs judgment, memory, and emotional stability. It contributes to anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, psychosis.
• Social consequences: Addiction leads to broken relationships, crime, and violence. It disrupts families and communities, creating cycles of poverty and despair.

Drug Misuse and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi evolve to resist the drugs designed to eliminate them. This makes infections harder and more expensive to treat.

Drug misuse — especially of antibiotics — is a major driver of AMR. Common practices that contribute include:

• Self-medication: Using antibiotics without a prescription to treat viral illnesses like colds or malaria exposes bacteria to unnecessary drugs.
• Incomplete dosage: Stopping antibiotics midway allows surviving bacteria to adapt and become resistant.
• Improper sourcing: Buying leftover antibiotics from friends or using animal medications is dangerous and unregulated.
• Youth misuse: Self-treating sexually transmitted infections or wounds after substance abuse worsens resistance patterns.

As a result, infections such as typhoid, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections are increasingly resistant to standard treatments.

The Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Combating AMR

Medical laboratory scientists are essential in the fight against AMR. Their contributions include:

• Accurate diagnosis: Performing culture and sensitivity tests to identify pathogens and determine effective antibiotics.
• Surveillance and reporting: Monitoring resistance trends and informing clinicians and health authorities.
• Antibiotic stewardship support: Advising on responsible antibiotic use based on lab evidence.
• Quality assurance: Ensuring test results are accurate and reliable for informed treatment decisions.
• Public health education: Educating communities on proper medicine use and the dangers of self-medication.
• Research and innovation: Developing faster diagnostic tools and studying emerging resistant strains.

Risks of Buying Medications Without Lab Evidence

Many individuals purchase medications from chemical shops without proper diagnosis. This practice is risky for several reasons:

• Misdiagnosis: Symptoms like fever or cough may have multiple causes. Treating without lab confirmation can be ineffective or harmful.
• Wrong drug use: Antibiotics, painkillers, or antimalarials may be misused, contributing to AMR.
• Masking serious conditions: Some drugs temporarily relieve symptoms while the underlying disease worsens.
• Unregulated sales: Chemical sellers may lack medical training and sell incorrect or counterfeit products.

Responsible Healthcare Practices

To protect individual and public health:

• Seek medical attention for ailments lasting more than 2–3 days.
• Request laboratory tests to guide treatment.
• Buy medications only from licensed pharmacies with prescriptions.
• Use chemical shops only for minor, short-term relief (e.g., oral rehydration salts, paracetamol).

Traditional Medicines: Promise and Caution

Traditional medicine is part of Ghana’s heritage and offers potential benefits. However, it must be approached responsibly:

Benefits:

• Some herbs have proven antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, or antioxidant properties.
• Many modern drugs originated from plants.

Concerns:

• Lack of standardization: Dosages vary, risking ineffectiveness or toxicity.
• No clinical validation: Some products contain contaminants like heavy metals or harmful microbes.
• Drug interactions: Herbal remedies may interfere with prescribed medications.
• Delayed treatment: Relying solely on traditional medicine can postpone critical care.

Best Practices:

• Consult medical professionals before using herbal remedies.
• Choose FDA-registered products.
• Support scientific testing and collaboration between traditional healers and laboratory scientists.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Drug abuse and antimicrobial resistance are intertwined threats to Ghana’s health and development. Addressing them requires a multi-pronged approach:

Recommendations:

1. Strengthen public education on drug misuse and AMR.
2. Expand access to laboratory diagnostics in rural and urban areas.
3. Enforce regulations on drug sales and antibiotic distribution.
4. Promote responsible use of traditional medicine through research and collaboration.
5. Empower medical laboratory scientists with resources and recognition to lead AMR surveillance and education.

By combining science, discipline, and community engagement, Ghana can protect its youth, preserve its healthcare systems, and secure a healthier future.

By Dr. Padmore Boakye, MLS.D. Medical Laboratory Scientist, E&E Medical Center, Adenta