The rising cases of substance abuse in Pakistan

Substance abuse is defined as an irresistible and out-of-control condition that can lead to dire consequences. In Pakistan, drug abuse has increased to an all-time high, an often ignored predicament. According to UN reports, in 2013, almost 7.6 million people in Pakistan were into drugs.

There is no recent concrete data from the UN on Pakistan’s drug abuse. However, a national drug use survey 2022-24 will be conducted to provide substantial evidence and the full extent of the population involved in substance abuse.

It is established that drug abuse is shared across all classes, but the impoverished are addicted to drugs on a larger scale. In 2020, the news was released about drug use in colleges and universities, which made the then Prime Minister set up a special council and devise strategies to curb the alarming outbreak.

During the news outbreak, the most common drug name was a synthetic drug called ice (crystal methamphetamine). In 2018 a survey also revealed that in almost ten universities, students were addicted to all banned drugs. Since then, many drug peddlers have been arrested, especially those who supplied drugs to university and college students.

Causes of drug abuse

A number of reasons can push people into the dangerous world of drugs. The cause of rising cases in Pakistan is the taboo attached to it, the lack of awareness, the dearth of rehabilitation centers, and the conservative society.

The common drugs used by the youth are morphine, opium, cocaine, hashish, and cannabis. In hostels, bullying and for the sake of socialization are common reasons many students end up using drugs. Many do not realize how addictive they can get to these drugs and the damage they can cause to their health.

Peer pressure and educational stress are also added factors for drug use. The reason for not seeking treatment is the high cost of private rehabilitation centers and the long-term care required for a drug user. The onus then falls on the government to equip the people, or the outbreak would be nearly impossible to control.

Way out

Institutional drug use can only be eradicated with the intervention of higher authorities. All drugs must be banned, and regular programs related to drug use must be initiated. Apart from this, strategies with the addition of medical doctors must be devised to curb this outbreak.

Society must remove the social shame associated with drug use and help those who need it the most. People should feel free to come forward and accept it’s a bad habit and require rehabilitation.

Government-funded rehabilitation centers should increase country-wide as most people who seek therapy for drug use cannot afford it, making it impossible for them to quit. Media also plays a vital role in the eradication of social issues.

The police force must restrict ease of availability by establishing special task forces who monitor the established drug corners and streets. Those struggling with drug abuse need all our help; instead of shunning them and cutting them out from society, give them medical care and social and emotional support.