10/07/2025
I recently saw two very disturbing videos.
In one, some young people were doing the “Diphenhydramine Challenge.” (Diphenhydramine is the drug found in some cough syrups.) In the second video, a woman gave alcohol to her baby to help the child sleep.
That second video has caused a lot of public outrage. But what’s surprising is that some of the people shouting the loudest are the same ones who give their babies Piriton, phenobarbitone, or cough syrup to make them sleep. Let’s be honest, that too is drug abuse.
As a mother and a pharmacist, I understand how hard it can be when a baby keeps crying. It can affect you deeply, especially when you’re tired and stressed. That’s why I believe parenting should be for those who are mentally and emotionally ready for it.
But these two videos point to something much deeper in our society.
Many new mothers are overwhelmed. We are told to exclusively breastfeed for 6 months, yet maternity leave is only 3 months or just 6 weeks in some places. On top of that, there’s pressure from family members who come to visit a new mum but expect her to do everything for them. Sometimes, even fellow women who have been through the same struggle forget what it’s like. I always say: a new mum needs all the help she can get.
Let’s also talk about adults and drug use. It’s not just young people abusing drugs and alcohol (especially those cheap sachet ones). Adults are doing it too. And if that’s what you use to cope, chances are, that’s what you’ll give your child.
It’s good that people are angry, but stopping drug abuse takes more than anger. We need to look at the full picture.
We need:
👉🏽Health education, so people understand the dangers.
👉🏽Support for parents, especially new ones.
👉🏽Rehabilitation, because people who are struggling need help, not shame.
This is a reminder to say no to drug abuse in all its forms. And to those adults using drugs to fall asleep, I have a number to call now. I’m watching you.
