By Benedict AbuBakarr Conteh
In the streets of Freetown and Makeni, a silent epidemic is unfolding. Young people, some as young as 13, are falling victim to a highly addictive drug known as Kush. This synthetic substance, made from unknown chemicals, is wreaking havoc on their physical and mental health. As addiction rates soar, families are left struggling to cope, and the country’s mental health system is under immense pressure.
Medical experts warn that Kush is not just an addictive substance—it triggers severe psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, psychosis, and paranoia. Many young users experience violent hallucinations, erratic behavior, and memory loss. Dr. Haja Abibatu Jalloh, a psychiatrist at Sierra Leone’s main psychiatric hospital, describes the crisis: “We are seeing a dramatic increase in drug-induced psychosis cases. Many of these young people are losing touch with reality, and without proper intervention, their conditions worsen.”
I spoke with Mohamed, a 19-year-old who has been using Kush for three years. “At first, it made me feel free, like I had no problems. But now, I hear voices in my head. I can’t sleep, and my family doesn’t want anything to do with me,” he admitted. His story is not unique. Many users turn to Kush due to unemployment, peer pressure, and a lack of mental health awareness.
Despite the growing crisis, Sierra Leone’s mental health infrastructure remains weak. There are fewer than 10 trained psychiatrists in the entire country, and rehabilitation centers are almost nonexistent. The government has launched awareness campaigns, but without proper treatment facilities, young lives continue to spiral out of control.
Experts call for a multi-faceted approach—strengthening drug laws, investing in mental health services, and providing alternative opportunities for young people to prevent them from turning to drugs in the first place.
The Kush crisis is not just a drug problem; it is a mental health emergency. If left unaddressed, an entire generation could be lost to addiction and untreated psychological disorders. Through this report, I aim to raise awareness and push for policy changes that will save lives.
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