LAHORE:
Approximately, 7 million Pakistanis use drugs. Drug traffickers usually target younger individuals as they are more vulnerable, which is why educational institutes have become a hotbed for selling and buying drugs. A lot of the time, youngsters consume drugs to experience something new, escape daily stressors, or due to peer pressure. Some drugs alter one’s state of mind and trigger auditory and visual hallucinations that provide a “high” state of mind. They also alter brain chemistry if taken regularly, creating dependence. Excessive drug consumption affects individuals’ mental and physical health. Addicts often lose all their money due to their high dependence on drugs. Their families also suffer from trauma and misery. Drug addicts reuse syringes to inject substances and contract fatal diseases like AIDS. To tackle drug abuse, the AntiNarcotics Force (ANF) established Model Addicts’ Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (MATRCs), which provide rehabilitation to addicts. Educational institutes should carry out awareness campaigns to discourage drug consumption among students and strictly monitor students’ activities within institutes. Parents should be vigilant and talk to their children if they suspect any behavioural changes. Long-term rehabilitation programmes should be implemented to prevent people from relapsing. Everyone should work collectively to put an end to this menace and protect our younger generations.
Narmeen Fatima
