KARACHI, June 22: A large majority of the four million heroin addicts in Pakistan falls in the age groups of 15 to 19 years and 25 to 35 years, enhancing urgency for a pragmatic approach to protect the prime segments of society against the menace.

Force Commander, Anti-Narcotics Force, Sindh, Brig Saleem Akhund, addressing a seminar on “Narcotics and Pakistan”, said that the drug traffickers being much more resourceful and well- equipped are hence capable to sell heroin in Pakistan.

According to him, the incidence of heroin addiction is growing at a rate of seven per cent annually, which makes it imperative for the community, particularly teachers and parents, to inculcate in the minds of kids and youth that addiction is prohibited religiously, morally and socially.

He reminded that Pakistan had maintained its status of “Opium Free” state with absolutely no opium cultivation nor any heroin processing factory in any part of the country for the last several years.

Referring to a recent incident, he said that some students, belonging to a reputable educational institution, were apprehended red handed during night patrolling. They were found indulged in addiction and their parents had no idea about their habit. Later, investigations showed that narcotics were available and used within the premises of colleges with teachers well aware of the fact, he said with a tinge of regret.

He also referred to the constant decline in the number of “Detoxification and Treatment Centres” which has shrunk to 72 from 2,000 only a few years back. Despite a certain willingness on part of addicts to get rid of the habit, he said, high cost of treatment prevented them to seek support.

He called upon the philanthropists to help in establishing such centres. Those centres, which are already functioning, were appealed to hold provision for at least a 10 per cent quota for the needy patients.

For creating awareness, he said that essays on the subject would soon be included in the school and college curriculum.

Addressing the event held under aegis of Healthcare Forum to commemorate the World Anti Narcotics Day, a researcher and psychiatrist, Dr Arif Mirza, discussed the co-relation between Drug Abuse and Depression.

He referred to a recent study on the topic undertaken by him jointly with Dr Saadia and Dr Faisal. He said that the data for the study was gathered after observing patients seeking treatment at six different detoxification centres across the country. He said that the results showed that 27 per cent of the interviewed patients were suffering from deep depression while only a very few seeking medical support for the ailment along with medication against substance abuse.

Around 67 per cent of the interviewees, under treatment, had indulged in drug abuse for the sake of fun, 26 per cent for stress relief while remainder adopted the habit out of curiosity, the researcher said. Major source of contraband drug supply were found to be friends and acquaintances, he added.

In his presentation, Prof Mussarat Hussein, the head of psychiatry department, JPMC, while underscoring need for proper documentation of studies, researches and efforts made to address the issue of addiction also diverted public attention towards the menace of “Cyber Addiction”. He urged parents and guardians as well as general public to take notice of the situation.

Dr Majid Ali Abidi of Hamdard Medical University appealed that addiction and not the addicts be shunned by the society. He said that addicts were patients, who require emotional support, they must not be scolded.

Dr Hafiz Rehmatullah and Dr Wasib Hanif also spoke at the seminar.—APP