DRUG addiction is dangerous because it interferes with activities of daily life and affects the physical and mental health of people. Unfortunately, drug addiction is rising among the young of the nation; both in urban and rural areas.

A number of factors lead to the development of such a harmful addiction. However, the widespread availability of drugs of all varieties is one of the biggest factors that has led to the spike in the number of addicts in the country. The devastation caused by the menace to individuals and families is massive. The destruction caused to society is too colossal to be estimated.

According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Pakistan is among the top countries in the world where drug use is prevalent. This is an alarming situation that requires urgent attention from the government, civil society organisations, and individuals. We need to take collective action to address the issue, and stop it before it ruins even more lives.

The root causes of drug abuse are complex, and tackling them requires a comprehensive approach. It is crucial to increase public awareness about the harms of drug use and provide education and support to individuals and families affected by addiction.

Additionally, while facilitating access to healthcare services for those seeking assistance to get out of the rut, the country needs to increase and improve the capacity of its law-enforcement agencies to effectively curb drug trafficking, which will disrupt the supply chain and control the easy availability of drugs in society.

Furthermore, we need to promote a culture of responsibility and accoun-tability. It is essential to hold drug manufacturers, distributors and retailers accountable for their role in fuelling the drug crisis.

Drug abuse is a grave problem that requires immediate attention of all the relevant stakeholders. By working together, we can create a society where drug abuse is no longer a menace and individuals, even when they are in distress, may lead healthy, productive lives. Currently, there is a massive gap in the scale of the problem and society’s response to it.

Muhammad Taha Ali
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2023