There are estimated 5 million drug addicts in Pakistan, 97-percent of which are men and 3-percent women and each addict spends Rs 100-150 on drugs daily from which drug sellers generate daily revenue of million of rupees. Negative effects vary depending on the type of drug consumed, the doses taken, and the frequency of use. In some cases, drug abuse can cause serious depression, panic, irregular heartbeat, respiratory problems, and even sudden death.
Furthermore, while under the influence of drugs, users may wrongly decide to have unprotected sex or share needles, thus increasing their chances of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other infectious diseases.
These views were expressed by psychiatric 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 June 26 with the theme of "Value yourself...make healthy choices."
According to them, most addicts are educated but unemployed men between 20 and 30. However, lower level employees and self-employed taxi and rickshaw drivers have also become addicted to the mixed drugs easily available at medical stores and clinics.
The majority of addicts have switched to the use of allopathic medicines, including injections and tablets, as well as alcohol an alternative to opium, heroin and morphine.
They stated that over 200 million people world-wide use drugs, amounting to around 4.7 percent of the global population aged over 14. But, the effects of drug abuse go far beyond the individuals concerned and cause incalculable harm to society in health, social and economic terms.
The support of caring and listening parents has proven to be one of the most important protective factors against drug abuse. But, for the many young people around the world, who do not have the advantage of a supportive home environment, the society has a special responsibility.
Professor Dr Haroon Rashid Chaudhry, Head Department of Psychiatry Fatima Jinnah Medical College (FJMC) told this scribe that people usually take drugs to have fun or escape the pressures of life.
"Drug users among students are particularly worrying. Once the students are addicted, they then go to the traffickers to buy the illicit drugs. If they do not have money, they steal it from their family members or others," he explained.
A crucial factor that worsens drug abuse among youth is a lack of control from family members, especially parents, he added.
To a question, he said people are now becoming more materialistic. They work day and night to earn more and more money and they forget that their children need their care and love above all materialistic things, he added.
He further said that 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 have shown that women who smoked cannabis during pregnancy gave birth to babies with defects, he pointed out.
Talking about the theme of the 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking', another leading psychiatrist, Professor Dr Aftab Asif said this year's campaign intends to send out a message of self-respect to young people around the world.
He calls on youth to consider the health-related reasons why they should stay away from drugs or stop using them. 'Healthy choices' is not only about saying "no" to drugs but also about choosing healthy lifestyles: sports, music, theatre, civil service, and other positive activities, he added.
He was of the view that young girls and boys, who practice sports learn skills and values that will stay with them for a lifetime: self-confidence, discipline, teamwork, and fair play.
Through sports, participants are confronted with ethical questions that can guide them in finding the right answers on and off the playing field. Sports also improve their health and well being.
He said one of the most damaging misconceptions about drug use is that it is a permanent problem. The truth is that treatment for drug abuse can work, and can restore value and dignity to a person's life.
Another psychiatrist Dr Abad Ahmad told this scribe that after decline in heroin use, drug addicts in Pakistan are shifting on 'Synthetic Derivatives of Opiates' and tendency of its use is appearing in doctors, students, and nurses.
This addiction is spreading fast due to low-cost and high degree of addiction. However, the diseases, including tuberculosis, AIDS, hepatitis, skin infections, have been noticed among the addicts.
Another disturbing factor is unchecked use of tranquillisers, which are leaving adverse effects on users. The use of Hash (cannabis) is seen among students and people of upper class, he added.
To mark the day, various health organisations and NGOs have chalked out an elaborate programme aimed at creating awareness among the people about ill effects of use of narcotics.
It may be mentioned that the UN General Assembly decided to observe June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co-operation at all levels to achieve the goal of keeping an international society free of drug abuse.
It took that action on December 7, 1987, (resolution 42/112), following a recommendation of the 1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which, on June 26, had adopted the Comprehensive Multidisciplinary Outline of Future Activities in Drug Abuse Control.
On February 23, 1990, the Assembly adopted a Global Programme of Action to combat illegal drugs, and stated that the International Day was to be observed as part of the effort to raise public awareness about fighting drug abuse and to promote preventive measures.