Individuals, communities, and various groups worldwide come together to raise awareness about the severity of drug abuse and emphasize the need for accessible healthcare for all.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) World Drug Report 2021, there are approximately 27.5 million drug users globally, with over 3.6 million people suffering from drug use disorders. Each year, substances such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, cannabis, crystal meth, and other pills claim the lives of millions of individuals.

Between 2010 and 2019, the number of drug users increased by 22% due to the global population growth. While drug use continues to rise, there is hope for effective intervention.

Based on demographic projections alone, current estimates predict an 11% increase in global drug use by 2030, with Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population contributing to a 40% surge. In 2020, it was reported that approximately 5.5% of the population aged 15 to 64 years had used drugs at least once, and 13% of all drug users, totaling 3.63 million people, suffered from drug use disorders.

Globally, more than 1.1 million individuals inject drugs, half of whom are living with hepatitis C. Opioids, including opium and cocaine, account for the majority of drug-related illnesses.

The report also highlights the emergence of new platforms utilizing rapid technological innovation to facilitate the sale and distribution of drugs, potentially leading to swift changes in drug use patterns and their impact on public health.

The Global Drug Trade: Increasing Challenges

The illicit drug market has witnessed a rapid influx of narcotics worldwide, with a rise in the utilization of land and sea routes for smuggling, the use of private aircraft for drug transportation, and contactless methods of drug distribution.

The Situation in Pakistan

According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, more than 7 million people in Pakistan suffer from drug addiction. The country is experiencing an alarming increase in drug use, including heroin, cocaine, and crystal meth. Urban populations are more affected by drug use than rural areas. Billions of rupees’ worth of drugs are trafficked within the country every year, affecting people from all walks of life.

Even students, aged between 13 and 25, studying in schools, colleges, and universities, have fallen victim to the menace of drugs. In recent years, young individuals have become more susceptible to hazardous and life-threatening addictions, such as crystal meth or “frozen dihydrogen monoxide,” which is made from the chemical methamphetamine.

These addicts also resort to injecting the drug into their bodies. It is crucial to understand the underlying causes of increasing apprehension and despair among young people and address them effectively. Encouraging engagement in healthy activities can also serve as a preventive measure against addiction.

In this battle against drug abuse, significant responsibilities lie with political and religious parties, social organizations, educational institutions, parents, as well as media personnel, healthcare professionals, and others in the medical field. The process of rehabilitation and detoxification is challenging and painful, lasting anywhere from 10 to 15 days or even longer, depending on the type of addiction.

During this period, individuals may experience extreme distress, leading some to contemplate suicide. Following detoxification, psychological therapy plays a crucial role in empowering and reinforcing the victims.

These individuals must be handled with care, as they often carry deep anger and hold grudges, using minor incidents as excuses to relapse into addiction.

The writer is a teacher at DELTA, The Change Agent. He can be reached at aminwastoo@gmail.com.