"CURRENT TRENDS IN PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE"

First Prize in Essay writing Competition

by DANIA JAMEL     3^RD YEAR

           “Drugs” the very idea that flashes through one’s mind on seeing this word is not something positive. This word has an aura of evil enveloping misery, wickedness, crime, sins. Why is this so when literally the word has far more scientific and logical meaning? The reason lies in human instinct of turning every use to misuse, his vulnerability, getting caught in devil snares so damn easily. Drugs are infact the product of human’s intelligence and creativity coming out of scientific laboratories to cure innumerable diseases but it’s the man himself who turned them into a disease called “Addiction” we now seek cure from.

           Drug abuse is the black spot in any civilized society, but today every society, whether it is the civilized American or underworld third world, is so deeply infected by it that all u can see is “Black”. Drug abusers constitute the most futile part of the society. Cocaine ,heroin ,morphine running in their blood ,their minds numb; euphoria and hallucinations taking them over; lying on footpaths, parks and streets just like stray dogs. What good are such people to the society? Craving for few ounces of deadly poison turn them into criminals, social liabilities, beasts knowing nothing of right or wrong. Rather playing a constructive role in Drug society they bring in more destruction, socially, morally and economically.

           To eradicate this evil from society, this saying “prevention is better than cure” goes very right. There are many ways to get rid of drug abuse on national as well as personal levels. It is responsibility of existing government to maintain a healthy society and thus, is ought to play a lead role in prevention movement.

          Drug Acts-every government passes acts to minimize drug abuse by providing proper guidelines for their mode of sale, supply and storage. Drug acts enlist names of dangerous drugs and prescribe limitations about their quantity that can be kept with doctors can be sold on seeing authentic prescriptions by pharmacists and about keeping full record of sold drugs. These acts are excellent enough to keep drug abuse in check only if they are properly implemented. In Pakistan an act was passed in 2002 banning smoking in public places and prohibiting cigarette sale to below 18 years of age; a good step but a failure because for our people rules are only meant to be broken.

          Drug mafia which is out to make money at the stake of other people’s lives can be dealt with by keeping strict check on smuggled drugs. Street drugs cannot slip in to commoner’s hands only if authorities get honest with their task. Governments, to keep opium, heroin, cocaine and such other dangerous drugs’ production in limit have banned poppy and coca plant’s cultivation on large scale. NGOs are playing their part in creating awareness and providing rehabilitation to victims of drug abuse. Drug addicts are a threat to society as they would keep infiltrating and to stop this it is necessary to send them to rehabilitation centers or even behind bars, if necessary.

          Media influences the lives of people most profoundly. Hours of airtime is wasted in showing how a peg of beer, a pack of cigarettes can make you daring and bold.  Champagne being depicted as a must for celebration, getting drunk being labeled as “fun starts here” and smoke filled cafes being shown as coolest hangouts should be banned. Celebrities if come up holding banners saying “Don’t smoke, it kills” or ‘Don’t do drugs” rather than goblets of wine, will surely earn youth a positive inspiration.

         Government has to go far beyond flicking “smoking is hazardous to health- Health Department” after flashy advertisements. Though a recent healthy trend is celebrities getting in to social work, pop stars singing, videos shot, documentaries made covering drug abuse, AIDS and more of recent burning issues. Creating awareness through movies and dramas is kind of providing public a fun based learning. Things can markedly change if public messages flicker more often on screen. Recent surveys have shown that major victim of drug abuse is the youth. Teenagers and adolescents, seeking adventure or freedom from their existing problems, easily fall a prey to drug addiction. The key role has to be played by parents and institutions who share prime responsibility of grooming children to the best of character.

        Adolescence marks a big transition in one’s life. Problems take a new shape and responsibilities drop down on their shoulders. Teenagers face difficulty in coping with this change. At this time, parental guidance and support will save them from seeking refuge in drugs. By minimizing the communication gap parents can earn their child’s confidence and keep him from kneeling to peer pressure. A complete check on their social circle and activities, limited independence and controlled pocket money will surely provide some good drug sealing effects. The young generation is well aware of the consequences of drug abuse but still they get fantasized by doped rock stars, deceived by the concept that drugs can erase worries and instill in them confidence and style. Drugs are bad magnets and it is up to parents to arm their children with repulsive forces of high morale and strong personality.

        Schools and colleges should carry out drug abuse awareness programmes. Celebrating anti-narcotics day is an appreciable step. Nowadays, a recent trend of talent hunts also involves social issues. Such recreational activities and sports should be promoted as they consume young people’s energy in a healthy way and keep their minds drifting off to idea of trying something new like drugs.

          Thus, the problem that seems so complicated and hard to tackle just need a strong will, realization of our responsibilities and determination to eradicate. To fight against drug abuse we do have all the necessary armor, its only our negligence that keeps us from winning it over.