Côte d’Ivoire: What are the real complaints against alcoholic energy drinks?

In Côte d’Ivoire, alcoholic energy drinks are banned, raising questions about the real motivations behind this decision. The authorities justify this ban by citing public health risks, but is that really the core issue?

Alcoholic energy drinks are accused of various harms. However, these arguments do not take into account a crucial factor: it is not the drink itself, but the combination of these drinks with dangerous substances like tramadol that is truly harmful.

Tramadol, a synthetic opioid used as a painkiller, is commonly abused in Côte d’Ivoire. Its consumption, often in combination with alcoholic energy drinks, amplifies health risks, leading to severe and potentially fatal side effects. Curiously, despite its danger, tramadol remains widely accessible on the market, while alcoholic energy drinks are banned. This situation raises questions about the priorities of health authorities and the logic behind their decisions.

Hidden Competition?

The question then arises: why specifically target alcoholic energy drinks? Is it an attempt to protect the market for other alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits? Could this ban hide a form of disguised unfair competition? By removing alcoholic energy drinks from the market, some actors might be seeking to eliminate inconvenient competition while diverting attention from the real problem posed by tramadol.

Conclusion

The fight against alcoholic energy drinks in Côte d’Ivoire seems to overlook the real danger posed by the availability and abuse of tramadol. It is crucial to review this policy and focus efforts on regulating and eliminating truly dangerous substances. A balanced and fair approach is necessary to protect public health without masking disguised commercial interests.

S.Williams