The lack of rehab facilities for drug addicts adds more to the problem
LAHORE: According to recent figures released by the Anti-Narcotics Forces, approximately 76 million people in Pakistan are drug addicts, 78 per cent of which are men and 22 per cent are women. More saddening is the fact that a sizeable chunk of the addicts comprises university students. Part of the problem stems from the easy availability of drugs and the lack of awareness about the consequences of drug abuse. While many begin consuming drugs mostly out of peer pressure, a significant number of students end up ruining their futures and lives by becoming persistent drug addicts.
The lack of rehab facilities for drug addicts adds more to the problem where those who want to seek help are not left with credible assistance and hence often return to taking drugs. As the situation is no different for both government and private schools, strict actions against drug suppliers is the need of the hour, alongside the dire need for counselling and rehab facilitation for the affected.
Ramiz Ahmad
Published in The Express Tribune, January 14th, 2018.
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