The drug menace

It is believed that more than one hundred thousand people are directly involved in illegal drug trade and supply

According to conservative estimates there are around 10 million substance abusers in Bangladesh and the number is increasing rapidly. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in this country. Opiates like codeine and heroin are used heavily. And of course the use of yaba has assumed epidemic proportions. It was very alarming that at present drug addiction had become widespread irrespective of educated and illiterate, rich and poor, teachers and students.

The phenomenon of growing drug abuse cannot be viewed in isolation from the prevailing socio-political and economic realities. Young people are increasingly aware of and resent the existing setup where corruption, cronyism and financial power are the order of the day. The young try to find escape in drugs. According to social scientists, political and social upheavals have played a crucial role in shaping the overall psyche and behaviour of the youth. Other reasons determined through research include curiosity and excitement through its use, despair and frustration for continuous failure in works or economic insolvency. A number of other reasons include poverty, easy access to drugs, dejection in love, and mental stress due to family problems. Unfortunately society’s response to drug abuse and its victims has been poor and inadequate. According to a survey, treatment and specialist care are in short supply. Lack of in-patient facilities in government hospitals is a major deterrent for treatment.

It is believed that more than one hundred thousand people are directly involved in illegal drug trade and supply. The study reveals that peddlers prefer women and children for carrying and selling drugs because it is easier for them to evade law enforcers. The law enforcing agencies alone are not capable to combat the social menace, but community participation coupled with family and social contribution is very important to end the evil practice. According to experts, the easiest and most effective solution would be to send addicts to a rehabilitation centre. A humanistic form of treatment has been found to be most effective in dealing with drug addicts. But, first of all, awareness and prevention must start at home, with parents. Parents should be vigilant and keep an eye on the company their children keep and their activities. Experts recommend that the devastating effects of drugs should be discussed even at school level, and awareness raising campaigns should be launched, especially through the electronic media. Secure in the knowledge that they cannot be touched or called to account, drug cartels ply their trade with impunity. The need is for government agencies to come down hard on drug cartels, which is the only way to reduce the incidence of drug abuse in the country.

The drug menace

It is believed that more than one hundred thousand people are directly involved in illegal drug trade and supply

According to conservative estimates there are around 10 million substance abusers in Bangladesh and the number is increasing rapidly. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in this country. Opiates like codeine and heroin are used heavily. And of course the use of yaba has assumed epidemic proportions. It was very alarming that at present drug addiction had become widespread irrespective of educated and illiterate, rich and poor, teachers and students. The phenomenon of growing drug abuse cannot be viewed in isolation from the prevailing socio-political and economic realities. Young people are increasingly aware of and resent the existing setup where corruption, cronyism and financial power are the order of the day. The young try to find escape in drugs. According to social scientists, political and social upheavals have played a crucial role in shaping the overall psyche and behaviour of the youth. Other reasons determined through research include curiosity and excitement through its use, despair and frustration for continuous failure in works or economic insolvency. A number of other reasons include poverty, easy access to drugs, dejection in love, and mental stress due to family problems. Unfortunately societys response to drug abuse and its victims has been poor and inadequate. According to a survey, treatment and specialist care are in short supply. Lack of in-patient facilities in government hospitals is a major deterrent for treatment. It is believed that more than one hundred thousand people are directly involved in illegal drug trade and supply. The study reveals that peddlers prefer women and children for carrying and selling drugs because it is easier for them to evade law enforcers. The law enforcing agencies alone are not capable to combat the social menace, but community participation coupled with family and social contribution is very important to end the evil practice. According to experts, the easiest and most effective solution would be to send addicts to a rehabilitation centre. A humanistic form of treatment has been found to be most effective in dealing with drug addicts. But, first of all, awareness and prevention must start at home, with parents. Parents should be vigilant and keep an eye on the company their children keep and their activities. Experts recommend that the devastating effects of drugs should be discussed even at school level, and awareness raising campaigns should be launched, especially through the electronic media. Secure in the knowledge that they cannot be touched or called to account, drug cartels ply their trade with impunity. The need is for government agencies to come down hard on drug cartels, which is the only way to reduce the incidence of drug abuse in the country.