Youth must be protected from the terrible clutches of drugs

The terrible picture of drug addiction in the country, which has been revealed in a recent national study, is not only worrying; it is also a warning sign.

According to the study, the number of drug users in the country is currently around 8.2 million, which is around 4.88 percent of the total population.

The most shocking fact is that 60 percent of drug users start using drugs before the age of 18. That means our teenagers are also gradually stepping onto the path of darkness.

Drug addiction is a deadly and a serious global problem. It threatens public health, social security and the economy.

No country, developed, underdeveloped or developing, is immune to its harmful effects.

But it goes without saying that the need for a serious social awareness and the national, regional and international cooperation is not being seen in the world.

Due to geographical and economic reasons, large cities and border areas are becoming victims of the easy availability of drugs.

The spread of drugs is no longer limited to cities, but is rapidly spreading to rural areas as well.

Factors such as peer influence, curiosity, and family unrest have been identified as the main reasons behind drug use. It has now become a deeper social and public health problem.

While law enforcement agencies are working to stop the supply of drugs, there is a lack of psychological and social initiatives to reduce demand.

The country has a long-standing problem with a severe shortage of treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts.

However, the government’s initiative to set up 200-bed rehabilitation centres in the country’s seven divisions is commendable.

Experts say that just conducting raids or arresting criminals will not solve the drug problem.

Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into society need to be seen as part of a comprehensive national strategy.

We must remember, a drug addict is not a criminal, but rather a sick person who needs proper treatment and compassion.

The study is a reminder that the drug problem is not an isolated personal disaster; it affects our society, families, and the state equally. To build a drug-free society, we need to build resistance within the family.

At the same time, educational and religious institutions need to join the moral campaign against drugs.

We must ensure a coordinated fight by the triangular forces of the state, society and family, declaring it a ‘social war’. This requires political will and scientifically based policies.

And a coordinated social movement of people from all walks of life. The fight against drugs must be a national priority-the sooner, the better.