THE surfacing of drug-abuse statistics in Pakistan by Drug Use in Pakistan, 2013, has shocked legal and medical fraternities. According to this report, more than 4.2 million people are suffering from drug addiction. In drug dependence, habit-forming drug is used for recreational purpose. But as time passes, the body demands repetitive use, until a time reaches when person is no longer able to function normally in the absence of such drugs.

In Pakistan opium extracts (hashish and heroin) and Indian hemp are two substances are commly used for such purposes.

In criminology, drug abuse is directly linked to social crimes and law and order situations. The repetitive use of these chemicals causes psychological dependence. When financial and legal barriers make such substances unobtainable, withdrawal effects appear. People show violent behaviour and resort to theft, robbery, abduction for ransom, targeted killing and other street crimes.

Sociology, too, blames addiction for disturbing social peace and progress. Compulsive and persistent use of illegal chemicals makes individuals numb to family responsibilities. People are no longer able to carry on jobs, resulting in unemployment, poverty and poor living standards. Marriage relations can no more be sustained. This troubled family institutional structure can never guarantee a peaceful and stable society.

The government alone cannot force every addict to get himself admitted to rehabilitation centres nor does it have the resources to build such a large number of institutions. Rather the state can help by importing technical services, information, skills and donors to let private health service providers play their role.

Dr Zaib Ali Shaheryar
Multan