With the increasing use of drugs, crystal ice, alcohol and e-cigarette are being commonly used by youth in the provincial metropolis. Crystal Ice, which is a form of drugs called methamphetamine, is the most dangerous drug as it causes physical and mental health harm to the users. When crystal ice is used either orally, snorting or through needle, it provides false senses of happiness and wellbeing - a rush strong felling of confidence, psychiatrists said.
Syed Zulfiqar Hussain, Consultant, Anti Drugs/Narcotics Campaign, told media on Wednesday at the launching of 'Annual Report 2018 - changing trend-use of narcotics in City of Lahore at Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH).'
According to him, 22 areas of Lahore are the hub of drug addiction. These areas include Roshani Gate, Taxali Gate, Masti Gate, Data Darbar area, Ali Park, Royal Park, Laxami Chowk, Nisbat Road, Railway Station, General Bus Stand area, Garhi Shahu, Davis Road, Queen's Road,Ganga Ram Chowk, Regal Chowk, the Mall, Chauburji and Yateem Khan Chowk etc.
Syed Zulfiqar Hussain said that Lahore is the second biggest city of Pakistan after Karachi where the use of drugs/narcotics and its sale are easy. There are 21 different most affected areas in the city of Lahore where drugs are used through injections without any fear.
Emphasizing the need for awareness, he said teachers can play a pivotal role in reforming and strengthening the education system. The Higher Education Department, School Education Department and Punjab Higher Education Commission have nominated 11,000 focal persons on drugs. This is good initiative aimed at checking the drug addiction in the educational institutions, he added. He further said that some areas below the metro tracks are hot spots for drug addiction. To a question, he said that immediate measures are required to launch crusade against drug addiction to save coming generations from destruction.