Hashim Abro, Tasleem Naz Abro
RISING drug abuse has been a worrisome situation in Pakistan, and Sindh in particular.
We don’t know the exact number of drug abusers in the country but one can see millions in the wilderness of addiction in the province. An estimated 90% of drug users are aged 18 to 40, though addiction can start as young as 12-15 years old.
Drug abuse among the youth, including females, is a critical issue in Sindh’s towns and villages with recent data showing a significant increase in cases and a dangerous shift toward highly potent synthetic drugs and newer substances such as stimulants and psychotropic drugs. And the problem, with drug use reaching “unprecedented” levels. Ice, heroin and hashish are everywhere and most abusers have died a premature death because Ice has ‘no stage of return’; the abuser can become addicted from the first dose, whereas heroin usually needs to be used several times before addiction occurs.
Larkano district has witnessed an explosive but under-reported increase in the past few years. Research indicates that many adolescents and young adults are turning to drugs as an escape from joblessness, socioeconomic pressure, hopelessness, and poverty. Rising cases of drug intake in Sindh today is alarming which has caused huge and unquantified damage to the Sindhi society. There is an urgent need for families, schools, NGOs and INGOs to develop suitable measures, programs and initiatives to address this very severe issue.
First of all, Resistance education against drugs programs should be launched to teach students from a young age how to recognize and avoid drug-related behaviors. Close supervision by parents and schools is essential to deter youth from drug abuse. Second, in high schools, the UNODC must train students to become peer educators who can observe issues and recommend school-based prevention programs. Third, the relevant Federal and Provincial ministries and departments must provide guidance on parenting, communication, and goal setting.
Fourth, public education campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about drug abuse and provide information on how to seek help. Experts and Religious scholars must emphasize the importance of early and consistent education on the dangers of drugs, starting from a young age. Fifth, holistic, public health approach: the complex link between substance use and mental health and other risky behaviors highlights the need for holistic interventions that focus on emotional health, parental guidance, and substance Sixth, a vigilant and caring community environment that upholds strong societal norms is essential for reducing the accessibility and acceptability of drug use.
Seventh, government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must collaborate to improve and expand access to affordable rehabilitation facilities. The few existing government centers are often overburdened, while private centers are too costly for most. Eighth, the initiatives should be implemented in schools, families, and communities. Prevention strategies should focus on reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors, such as strong family bonds and positive peer networks.
Ninth, given the strong link between emotional distress and drug use, integrating mental health counseling and support into drug prevention programs is crucial. Reducing the stigma around mental illness will also encourage young people to seek help. Tenth, social media can be leveraged for positive impact, with influencers and public service announcements promoting anti-drug messages. The government can also work with tech companies to filter and report content that glamorizes drug use. Eleventh, while focusing on rehabilitation, the government must also dismantle the socio-political networks that protect major drug traffickers. Focusing solely on low-level users and dealers has proven ineffective.
In a nutshell, all the federal and provincial agencies must actively work to combat illicit drug trafficking and establish programs focusing on prevention and eradication. It must include a pilot program with the United Nations to offer treatment for drug users instead of incarceration. So they won’t become like this forever….in the wilderness of addiction.
—Hashim Abro is a columnist & Tasleem Naz Abro is a volunteer adult literacy educator and social worker.
