The use of drugs in Pakistani youth is on the rise. Despite the illegality of them and the lack of social acceptance of the drugs, the number of drug users is increasing at an alarming rate.
Drug addiction is an extremely sensitive matter; depending on the type of drug taken, and the subsequent tolerance developed against it, one can very easily get trapped into the habit of drug use. Drug abuse can then occur, which is more often than not, a quick road to destruction. At this point, a psychologist‘s intervention becomes necessary.
The addicts need to satiate themselves and need more and more cash to purchase the drugs. This can cause them to break laws and commit any sort of crime to just get the drug. The addiction takes a great toll on the health of the individual as well.
They might even try to rope their friends into this habit. Addicts who use intra-venous drugs do not care to use sterile syringes, therefore are in danger of diseases like HIV/AIDS.
If they don’t take the drug, they suffer from drug withdrawal, which in extreme cases can even cause death. Rehabilitation is a long and arduous process, which is very expensive as well. Hence, it is important to identify the factors that are causing an increase in the number of drug users and remedy them immediately.
Table of Contents
Increased Availability:
With the increase in drug smuggling comes the increased availability of the drugs at rather low prices. This makes it easier to rope more people into this habit, from all socio-economic classes.
Peer pressure:
As per the statement of the state minister Shahryar Afridi, 75% of the student in Islamabad’s educational institutes are in habit of taking drugs. Some get into the habit due to peer pressure, especially those students who are in hostels. This coupled with negligence on the parents’ part makes it easier to get into this dangerous habit.
Drug Dens and Mafia:
Since selling drugs is very lucrative, the mafia markets its product well to lure more people in. As young people are vulnerable and easier to exploit, they are, thus, targeted exclusively by the drug dens. The phone numbers of the drug dealers get widely distributed in places like hostels.
Since the ‘drug lords’ are often protected by strong political people and use the corrupt elements present in the policing forces, they grow their operations with ease. They are not scared of the backlash from the police etc., and therefore don’t have to face consequences for their criminal acts.
Grades Pressure:
Students experience extreme stress from the need to perform well in their studies. For this reason, many resort to the habit of drugs to take the steam off from the pressure of studies. Other use drugs to help them study, as it helps them concentrate and stimulates their brain.
The increasing drug addiction needs to be addressed at urgent basis by the whole society. Together, by protecting the youth against all factors that make them prone to drug addiction, can we have a complete and healthy society.
Seek medical assistance against all elements that increase the chances of acquiring the habit of drug consumption. Book an appointment with top psychologists in Islamabad, Karachi and Rawalpindi through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.