MKPULU mmiri is a word in Igboland that describes the misuse or abuse of crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride. Mkpulu mmiri can be defined as blatant evidence of misuse and abuse of the crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride that has great potentials to induce psychotic episode and cancer in human. Mkpulu mmiri is originally formed from molecules stoichiometrically bound into crystals; it appears like sedimented ice irregularly packed in a wine glass. It has this crystalline property with colourless and odourless characteristics of “ice”: Mkpulu mmiri or Mkpuru mmiri depends on the particular Igbo dialect. The mkpulu or mkpuru implies crystals or cracks. There’s likelihood of little change in physical property of crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride into various forms, appearances and methods of use. We have three types or forms of crystal methamphetamine (ice, base and speed) but the commonest one found in Nigeria, especially in the South-East, is ice.
The first is translucent and the method of use is by smoking or injecting. The second type called “base” has a dampish colour or brown wax and the method of use is by injecting or swallowing. The third type called “speed” has an appearance like white and the method of use is snorting or injecting. Chemical properties of methamphetamine correspond to that response or reactivity. Methamphetamine has the chemical formula C10H15N and a molecular mass 149.233 g/mol. Methamphetamine acts spontaneously by release of aromatic amines known as “catecholamines” which includes a number of neurotransmitters such as serotonin,noradrenaline and dopamine. This chemical activity in brain leads to an increased synaptic concentration of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, and induce increased stimulation of postsynaptic receptors.
The tendency of this compound to which it retains its chemical property in the human body after “death” is not confirmed unless if there is autopsy report, postmortem or any other scientific evidence released after this research. Chemical properties: 1. it emits poisonous nitric oxides when heated to decomposition. 2. It is insoluble in ether. 3. It is soluble in chloroform, water and alcohol. 4. It has a bitter taste and is odorless. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is sold in markets as desoxyn tablets 5mg and adderall tablets which have similar potential effects as stimulants are used by paediatricians or GPs for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), narcolepsy, weight reduction, exogenous obesity or refractory obesity cum adjunct in a regimen. Adderall tablets 10mg have the chemical composition of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine while desoxyn tablets have composition methamphetamine hydrochloride and the administration/prescription largely depends upon metabolism, contraindication and indication not by weight, age, size etc.
The adverse effects of mkpulu mmiri pose a serious challenge, particularly in Igboland and Nigeria at large. Mkpulu mmiri has now raised serious concern about the following in igbo land: cultural dispossession, economy, cognitive and security. Cultural dispossession means passing through stresses of living with people or in a region that systematically devalues its culture. Mkpulu mmiri has great cultural dispossession in Igboland. It has caused harm and it is seriously marked by crimes: suicidal thoughts, stealing, killings, etc. It is not in the average Igboman’s blood to invite trouble to himself or borrow a culture that will destroy us all. Mkpulu mmiri was nowhere in Igboland before. The government’s fight against drug abuse had deteriorated sharply in our economy ; and this however pose serious challenge in some families and their businesses. Cognitive experiences have profound effects on behaviour, mental health, social relationships and emotional wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. The binger usually has problems of low self esteem, marriage, relationships, family,finance, mental disturbances and psychotic episode etc. Other problems associated with mkpulu mmiri are poor performances, incoherent talking, gender and domestic violence. Mkpulu mmiri is a threat to security and national development. We are now facing a very grievous security challenge in Nigeria and the South East with the advent of mkpulu mmiri. Crime has become order of the day: manslaughter, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, malpractices, terrorism, burglary,vandalism, arson, conspiracy, etc.
Increased consumption of crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride would pose impediments to mass production of desoxyn tablets and their equivalents and would cause a hike in the market price of the drugs. Mkpulu mmiri has high potential for abuse, and can also cause cancer, psychotic episodes and death. Individuals living with psychotic episodes usually aren’t aware of their predicament. People under psychotic episodes may experience cognitive problems and commit infractions such as suicidal thoughts, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, disorientation, thought disorder, false belief, low self esteem, poor performance in class,laziness,mood change; anxiety, feeling detached from self, anger, nervousness, apathy, discontented, psychological deterioration; which includes delusion, paranoia, depression, hearing strange sound or voice,persecutory delusion, talking incoherently, tactile hallucination, strange noises,often speech deficiency, fast and frenzied speaking,manic episode,hyperactivity,persistent repetition of words, etc. The harmful effect of mkpulu mmiri outweigh its benefits. Efforts should be made by the government through the help of community leaders and village youth to put in place proper measures to control mkpulu mmiri.
- Francis writes in via onyekefrancis16@gmail.com
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