Red 225 Menace: Alarming Rise in Youth Abuse of Potent Painkiller Sparks National Concern
Senior psychiatrist calls for urgent national action to combat the growing misuse of unapproved painkillers among young people
- Red 225 is not FDA-approved and is being sold illegally on the black market
- outh abuse the drug due to peer pressure, curiosity, and for energy
- Expert call for urgent action
A disturbing new trend is spreading among Ghanaian youth — the abuse of Red 225, a highly potent painkiller not approved for medical use by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
According to Dr. Yennusom Maalug, Senior Specialist Psychiatrist at Pantang Hospital, the Red 225 tablet is not among the officially sanctioned tramadol medications, which are typically prescribed in 50mg or 100mg doses.
He emphasized that licensed health professionals do not prescribe Red 225 due to its dangerous potency and unregulated origin.
Speaking on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio, Dr. Maalug disclosed that the drug is illegally sold on the black market, making it easily accessible to the youth. “Many are reportedly influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, or a desire for extra energy”, he said.
He warned that the consequences of misusing the Red 225 tablet are devastating — both for individuals and for society at large.
“Continuous use will drain you financially, damage your family relationships, harm your physical health, and lead to addiction,” Dr. Maalug cautioned.
He also expressed deep concern over the long-term national impact, stressing that Ghana’s future is at risk if the youth — the leaders of tomorrow — continue down this dangerous path.
To help curb the growing crisis, Dr. Maalug proposed several urgent interventions:
-
Nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of Red 225
-
Incorporation of addiction education into the basic school curriculum by the Ghana Education Service
-
Public counseling services in community spaces
-
Expanded educational drives by the Narcotics Control Board
-
Establishment of community rehabilitation centers
-
Stricter regulation by the FDA to control the importation and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs
He concluded by urging all stakeholders — from families and educators to law enforcement and regulatory bodies — to take immediate action to protect the nation’s youth from this growing drug threat.
