Daily Times

Drug addiction has become a serious problem round the world. According to a 2018 report by the United Nation Office for Drugs and Crime, Pakistan has 7.6 million drug addicts, including 800,000 heroin addicts. It is thus among the most drug-affected countries. The ages of heroin addicts vary from 15 years to and 64.

This numbers would be alarming anywhere in the world.

In Sindh, drug abuse is increasing by the day. This is a serious problem requiring immediate action to stop the situation from getting worse. In Khairpur district, there have been reports of students getting addicted to substances at an alarming rate; threatening not only their own future but also their families and friends.

Drugs like heroin and marijuana are very popular among the youth. The youths tend to seek adventure and excitement. They do not always realise the dangers inherent in experimenting with drugs.

Most of the drug addicts in Khairpur started with chhaliya, gutka and paan before moving to hard drugs like heroin, opium and cocaine.

The youths usually purchase drugs or spirits through dealers or ‘agents’ who are a phone call away. Their numbers are easily exchanged among the youths.

Why are the young people becoming addicted to the dangerous drugs?

The answer is people start doing drugs because of socio-psychological factors; economic issues, lack of interest in education, high stress, anxiety and peer pressure.

Most drug addicts usually start with chhaliya, gutka and paan before getting hooked to hard drugs

Many start by smoking tobacco before trying hard drugs. Children, who grow up in families where smoking is common, are highly likely to start smoking tobacco and to try hard drugs.

Curiosity is another factor in youth taking drugs. Some people experiment with drugs simply because they are curious and want to know what it feels like.

In Khairpur, the use of drugs is very common. The addicted youths can easily find heroin. The police set up no check spots to catch the peddlers. In Kumb union council of Khairpur heroin is openly sold. Some police officials are allegedly involved in selling drugs to the youths. The district administration is keeping mum on the issue. The Sindh chief minister should direct the police to take strict action against those involved, including the police officials.

There are no treatment and rehabilitation centres for drug users maintained and operated by government. Some centres are being operated privately. They are very costly. The provincial government should set up rehabilitation centres where addicts can get free treatment and return to a normal life.

Given that most of the young people get addicted while in colleges and universities, there is a need for counselling at colleges and universities to help the youths engage in healthy activities to develop into better human beings.

Voluntary organisations and civil society should launch a massive campaign using the electronic and print media. They should install billboards with messages in local languages at strategic locations in the target cities. Drug prevention messages and talk shows should also be aired on FM radio and local TV stations. There should be awareness sessions with school children, teachers and religious leaders. A helpline should be set up to offer information and facilitate drug treatment services. The problem can be solved by educating the potential addicts.

The youths should know about the consequences of drug use. Teachers should educate their students about how to avoid drugs and manage stress.

It may be recalled that in 2018, two bills were moved in the National Assembly titled Compulsory Drug Test of Students Act 2018. These called for annual tests to be given in all colleges and universities before admissions and examinations.

The federal government should expedite the efforts.

The government should also act against drug dealers and strict punishments should follow conviction.

The legislative loopholes allowing the drug traffickers to evade justice should be plugged.

Stringent punishments should be introduced to create a drug-free society.

The writer is a Lahore-based social activist