A Case Report of An Adolescent Dependent on Multiple Unspecified Chemicals: An Evolving Trend in Substance Abuse

Case Report

Phys Med Rehabil Int. 2024; 11(1): 1224.

Physical Strain During Realization of Certain Physiotherapeutical Procedures – Research Report

Yesiru A Kareem1,2; Placidus N Ogualili1; Umar B Musami1,3; Fatai A Kareem4; Nasir M Sani1; Tajudeen O Abiola5

1Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Mental Health, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria

2Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Directorate of Clinical Services, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun, Nigeria

3Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri. Borno, Nigeria

4Department of Science Laboratory Technology, School of Science and Technology, Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun, Nigeria

5Department of Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, Nigeria

*Corresponding author: Kareem Yesiru Adeyemi Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria. Tel: +234 803 115 8584 Email: mallamkay15@gmail.com

Received: January 19, 2024 Accepted: February 22, 2024 Published: February 29, 2024

Abstract

Background: In the modern day, addiction is evolving into complicated presentations [1]. A fifteen-year-old youngster who started misusing strange psychotropic drugs is the subject of this case. The boy’s distinct drug use and demeanour make diagnosis and therapy challenging. His father gave his permission for him to write this case report while the boy gave his assent.

Aim: To overcome the diagnostic obstacles, this case study attempts to outline the new advances in substance use.

Methods: By using targeted assessments, organizing relevant data, and summarizing the circumstances, the report was prepared.

Case Presentation: A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with a dependency on psychoactive substances and was admitted to a detoxification unit. A family-based approach was adopted, and drug use charts were used to monitor his condition. After stabilization, rehabilitation was initiated, and his condition improved significantly with improved clinical and psychosocial outcomes. His diagnosis was “Disorder due to use of unknown or unspecified Psychoactive substances.”

Conclusion: Substance abuse is a growing trend among adolescents mixing non-specified substances, thus necessitating more explorations. Parents should adopt a favourable parenting style that aids communication, while healthcare workers require a high degree of suspicion for timely Management.

Keywords: “Adolescent”; “Dependence”; “Evolving”; “Trend”; “Unspecified Psychoactive Substances”

Introduction

Addiction has become a complex presentation in recent times, [1] especially among the young age group [2]. This is a case report of an adolescent who started using some unusual psychoactive substances at the age of fifteen, with uniqueness in the usage and his presentations posing diagnostic and management challenges. He assented to writing this case report, while his father consented. He presented with three years of use of a cocktail of ‘Ngum’, a volatile substance of different brands (Yar Benisheik, Potiskum, and Maiduguri), mixed with the soot of burnt tyres (a toluene-based adhesive) for 2 years duration. He also occasionally inhaled pit latrine vapours to get ‘high’. He had two episodes of convulsion on missing the substances. The father also noticed excessive restlessness, undue anger outbursts, and assaultive behaviour in the last two months, during which the 'Ngum' intake was accelerated.

There were features of dependence: a sense of compulsion to take a substance, tolerance to the effects of the substance, loss of control of substance-taking behaviour, and preoccupation with substance use for the last 2 years to presentation. No use of alcohol nor other (psychoactive) substances but had convulsions of two episodes.