The trend of drug use in Pakistan has changed and chronic heroin addicts are shifting on synthetic derivatives of opiates mainly on account of low cost and high degree of addiction.
These views were expressed by Health Experts while talking to Business Recorder with reference to 'International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking' to be observed under the auspices of United Nations across the world including Pakistan on Saturday (June 26) with a pledge that efforts for creation of narcotics free society would continue.
The day was being observed with the theme of 'Treatment Works' focussing on the area of treatment.
An estimated 200 million people world-wide used drugs, amounting to around 4.7 percent of the global population aged over 14. But the effects of drug abuse so far beyond the individuals concerned and caused incalculable harm to society in health, social and economic terms.
The support of caring and parents had proven to be one of the most important protective factors against drug abuse. But many young people around the world who did not have the advantage of a supportive home environment, the society had a special responsibility, experts said.
"People usually take drugs to have fun or escape from the pressures of life. Drug users among students are particularly worrying. Once the students get addicted, they go to the traffickers to buy the illicit drugs. If they do not get the money, they steal it from their family members or others. A crucial factor that worsens drug abuse among youth is a lack of control from family members, especially as part from parents. People are now becoming more materialistic.
They work day and night to earn more money and forget that their children need them above all materialistic things", they said.
According to experts, after decline in heroin use, drug addicts in Pakistan were shifting on 'Synthetic Derivatives of Opiates' and tendency of its use was appearing in doctors, students, and nurses also.
This addiction was spreading fast due to low cost and high degree of addiction. However, the diseases including tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis, skin infections, had been noticed among the addicts of opiates.
They added that another disturbing factor was unchecked use of tranquillisers, which left adverse effects on users. The use of Hash (cannabis) was seen among students and people of upper class.
They quoted figure of women addicts as one percent of total figures of addicts in the country. They also showed concern over increased use of hash amongst industrial workers and truck driver.
"Smoking cannabis immediately accelerates the heartbeat and in some individual increases blood pressure posing a threat to those with abnormal heart and circulatory conditions. Studies show that women who smoked cannabis during pregnancy gave birth to babies with defects", they pointed out.
Elaborating further about Synthetic Derivatives of Opiates they maintained that most of the dangers of opiate abuse were associated with the use of unsterilise needles, contamination of drug itself or mixing the drug with other substances. Eventually, opiate users might develop infections of the heart lining and valves, congested lungs and skin diseases.
Infections from unsterilise solutions, syringes and needles can lead to AIDS, liver diseases, tetanus and serum hepatitis.
To mark the day, various health organisations and NGOs have chalked out elaborate programmes aimed at creating awareness among the people about ill effects of use of narcotics. In Lahore, various NGOs have chalked out elaborate programme to mark the day.