Be alert to dangers of prescription drugs

As the authorities and parents continue to battle against the use of narcotics and banned substances, we often forget that legal drugs, even those sold over the counter, can be as addictive.

During a presentation on the dangers of drugs at the Canadian University of Dubai (CUD) Dubai Police officials said they had found regular medicines, such as Tramadol, a strong pain killer, to be the main cause of drug addiction among youth in the UAE.

Many students, especially during the times of exams, rely on stimulant drugs to the point of abuse to keep them alert and awake as they prepare for the exams. Others are increasingly getting used to pain-killers.

"There could be a number of reasons for getting these regular medicines — family problems, stress problems, mental problems," Dubai Police First Corporal and psychologist Mousa Guled said at the presentation. This is a wake-up call for parents and doctors, who prescribe those drugs.