What we need in Pakistan is an effective ban on the sale of addictive drugs.
KARACHI: Since decades, societies all over the world have intentionally consumed substances which alter the mental functioning of those who have consumed them. These are known as psychoactive substances and the phenomenon of taking them in large amounts or frequently is referred to as substance abuse.
People use psychoactive drugs for personal benefit, such relieving stress, as part of cultural or ceremonial practices, as fashion trends and at times, for treating illnesses. However, in most cases, the consequence is that they become addicted to them. The selling of these items is prevalent since it allows for an easy way to make a considerable sum of money.
The United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) estimates that global production of coca leaves has increased significantly since 1985. Moreover, introduction and proliferation of new synthetic drugs has increased and these new drugs are increasingly prone to being misused.
The selling of addictive drugs is banned in Pakistan but is not really implemented. The sale of such things, in fact, violates the fundamental right of Pakistanis to good health. It harms the physical and psychological aspects of an individual. Physical harm includes chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, cancers, chronic liver disease, respiratory problems and ulcers and indirect effects include malnutrition, neurological damage and even death. Psychological harm includes depression, psychosis and suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, it increases the health burden on an economy since the rate of mortality among drug users is generally far higher than non-drug users. Besides, people living in developing countries like Pakistan don’t have enough to spend on meals because of poverty and in many cases simply cannot afford to pay for the treatment that is needed to treat addicts.
Moreover, there is a very adverse negative impact on a family if even one of its members becomes an addict. This is because the addict will use all his money, and the family’s savings, or even steal, to spend on the purchase of the illicit drugs. People who use addictive drugs can lose their jobs since their productivity can be affected, as well as loss of reputation in the workplace.
In addition, substance abuse adds to the incidence of crime. Illicit drug trafficking by itself constitutes a major criminal enterprise and often involves thousands of people, especially in a country such as Pakistan. Furthermore, drug users themselves are likely to commit crimes such as theft, robbery and so on, to be able to afford buying them.
Clearly, what we need in Pakistan is an effective ban on the sale of addictive drugs, that is, if we want to see a brighter future for its citizens.
Zainish Zafarullah Hajiani
Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery
Published in The Express Tribune, February 10th, 2013.
