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Combating Drug Abuse-Together we can do it

By: Dildar Muhammad

"Persons using this narcotic [marijuana] smoke the dried leaves of the plant, which has the effect of driving them completely insane. The addict loses all sense of moral responsibility. Addicts to this drug, while under its influence, are immune to pain, and could be injured without having any realization of their condition. While in this condition they become raving maniacs and are liable to kill or indulge in any form of violence to other persons, using the most savage methods of cruelty without, as said before, any sense of moral responsibility. . . . If this drug is indulged in to any great extent, it ends in the untimely death of its addict." Emily Murphy

In the above mentioned sayings Emile Murphy has briefly elaborated the agony suffered by drug addicts. Many questions come to our mind when we come across such aphorisms. Should we leave them unaided to suffer the agony? Are we not accountable to help them out? Do they not require our help? If yes, how many of us have ever realized to help drug abusers come out of the suffering? I am sure if we have ever tried to find answers to these question, we would not but stumble ourselves equally answerable for the agony around us.

The number of drug abusers is growing day by day. Though the exact figure is not known in Pakistan, yet according to one estimated in 2005 the number has exceeded 6.48 million (Daily Times). Despite the rise in their number, little attention has been payed on how to help them out. In our country we have very few centers which are working to help drug abusers. These are limited only to big cities like Karachi and Lahore.

The question here is how to help them out. There are a number of ways by which we can help those who are drugs addicted to get out of the trouble. Being an individual and responsible citizen one has many responsibilities. It is well said that “charity begins from ones own home”. First, we should be aware of the agony suffered by these helpless people who are addicted to drugs. Moreover, it is not only to become aware but to have the empathy with them. By having empathy, we could contribute whatever we can for the welfare of these troubled people. Addiction in its own is a disease like any other type of disease and a number of factors are associated with it. It means the discriminatory attitude of society calling them “addicts” is totally unethical. This needs to be avoided and addiction should be considered like any other disease. Further, we can increase awareness around us in our home, relatives, friends and community. This is one of the ways we can execute our responsibility towards these troubled people at our individual level.

Another imperative way is early recognition of those who are prone to get fully addicted and lose control. In our surroundings we could find such people who are likely to get fully addicted. We should immediately seek out help for such people because they may feel helpless. They are in dire need of some one to help them. Helping them to avoid the company of those who are addicted is pivotal. It is because usually the process of drug addiction begins when healthy person joins the company of his friends who are already addicted. Initially he is hesitant to use any drug, but gradually due to peer pressure he start using the drug and once he use the initial dose then he become the victim of it. Thus early recognition of vulnerable people and helping them to avoid bad company is crucial in preventing drug addiction.

Supporting those organizations which are already working to alleviate addiction suffering is yet another but most vital strategy in controlling drug addiction. These institutes offer services to those who are in trouble, being stigmatized and isolated. Support could be in terms of financial and community support. It means their work should be recognized and appreciated by the community. In our country there is very few centers working for drug addiction alleviation and the number of drug addicted persons is dreadful. It means supporting this organization is essential.

The role of media cannot be overestimated in the modern day. In fact media can play crucial role in helping to dispel the stigma attached to drug abusers. Media should portray positive image of those who are suffering from addiction. Print and electronic media can create awareness among general public about the suffering by portraying them as the victims not as “addicts”.

The role of government is particularly significant in preventing and controlling addiction suffering. First the government should ban all the local, cheap and easy to use substances like cannabis (Bhang), Charas and opium. Those who are producing and supplying it should be brought to justice. This could set an example for all those who are involved in illegal production and supply of these lethal substances. Secondly, government should also take some steps to provide basic necessities of life. Poverty should be dealt at priority basis. Most people start using drugs out of dissatisfaction with life. Child laborers are highly vulnerable group to get involved starting drug use and then abuse. Lastly government should also establish some centre across the whole country where people can refer troubled ones to help them come out of the pain. It means government needs to take the issue of drug abuse as serious as it is because it can have negative impact on the whole society and country.

In conclusion drug addiction is a serious issue in Pakistan. Combating drug abuse should be placed among top most priority issues to be addressed. Every responsible individual has a role in preventing and fighting drug abuse. Community also has a pivotal role in supporting the centers which are helping drugs abusers. Role of media in portraying a positive image is highly significant. In last government should take some serious steps to prevent and control drug abuse in Pakistan.