The Silent Killer
“I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that
creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a
mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.”
– Samuel L. Jackson’s inspiring words to live by when struggling through addiction
recovery.
Drug usage among young people is undeniably increasing worldwide. When individuals
engage in the non-lenient use of dangerous or potentially addictive substances, it is
considered drug abuse.
Approximately 208 million people across the globe, which accounts for about 3.9
percent of the global population, are estimated to be involved in illicit drug use. Among
adults over the age of twelve, there are 23 million individuals who are suffering from
drug addiction. Not only does this have detrimental effects on their physical, emotional,
and mental well-being, but it also poses a serious risk to the safety of those around
them. Additionally, the alarming statistic of 700 Pakistanis losing their lives each day
due to drug-related issues highlights the ineffective measures taken by the government
in combating the escalating drug usage in the country.
What is the Addiction to Drugs?
Drug addiction is a complex biologically-based illness that requires comprehensive care
for the body, mind, and soul. The use of drugs can have enduring consequences on
individuals due to the structural and functional changes it causes in the brain.
Neglecting drug addiction can be fatal as it is a chronic and persistent condition.
There are several main causes of drug addiction, including the lack of extracurricular
and recreational activities, the pressure to conform to societal norms, family and
societal rejection, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, the need to
escape from daily problems, and peer pressure.
Adverse Effects on Health:
The abuse of drugs results in various adverse effects on a person’s health. Prolonged
drug use can lead to physical ailments, withdrawal symptoms such as trembling,
shaking, sweating, nausea, or exhaustion, loss of control over one’s body, irregular
heartbeat, insomnia, respiratory issues, kidney and liver damage, seizures, brain
damage, and changes in appetite, to name a few. Furthermore, drug misuse can also
lead to financial hardship, strained interpersonal relationships, and legal complications.
Which Generation in Pakistan Is Most at Risk for Drug Abuse? Teenagers?
The issue of drug abuse among the younger generation, specifically in schools,
colleges, and institutions, needs immediate attention. Startling statements by the
Minister of State for Interior revealed that over 75% of females and 45% of boys in
some of Islamabad’s top educational institutions use crystal meth. These remarks
sparked controversy on social media, with the minister receiving backlash for his
sensationalized and inaccurate claims. Such thoughtless comments by a government
official exemplify the indifferent approach and inadequate handling of this significant
problem.
Rehabilitation and treatment facilities are unable to accommodate more than 300 drug
addicts per year, according to a study published in the News. Currently, public hospitals
only provide detoxification services for drug addicts, with no medical or rehabilitative
therapies available.
Universities’ Contribution to Reducing Drug Addiction:
To combat drug addiction, students and universities must come together to raise
awareness and eliminate this threat from society as a whole. Conducting seminars on
drug awareness can shed light on the harmful effects of drugs. Additionally, inviting nongovernmental organizations and treatment facilities to share success stories of young
individuals who have successfully overcome drug addiction can encourage students to
take risks. Moreover, establishing dedicated counseling departments in educational
institutions across the nation can provide guidance and support to students dealing with
emotional and psychological upheavals such as depression, anxiety, and parental
neglect.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is imperative for all of us to unite in order to prevent this silent killer from
destroying innocent lives.
“Nobody stays recovered unless the life they have created is more rewarding and
satisfying than the one they left behind.”
– Anne Fletcher
Arooj Shahbaz
(Psychologist)
The Silent Killer
“I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that
creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a
mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.”
– Samuel L. Jackson’s inspiring words to live by when struggling through addiction
recovery.
Drug usage among young people is undeniably increasing worldwide. When individuals
engage in the non-lenient use of dangerous or potentially addictive substances, it is
considered drug abuse.
Approximately 208 million people across the globe, which accounts for about 3.9
percent of the global population, are estimated to be involved in illicit drug use. Among
adults over the age of twelve, there are 23 million individuals who are suffering from
drug addiction. Not only does this have detrimental effects on their physical, emotional,
and mental well-being, but it also poses a serious risk to the safety of those around
them. Additionally, the alarming statistic of 700 Pakistanis losing their lives each day
due to drug-related issues highlights the ineffective measures taken by the government
in combating the escalating drug usage in the country.
What is the Addiction to Drugs?
Drug addiction is a complex biologically-based illness that requires comprehensive care
for the body, mind, and soul. The use of drugs can have enduring consequences on
individuals due to the structural and functional changes it causes in the brain.
Neglecting drug addiction can be fatal as it is a chronic and persistent condition.
There are several main causes of drug addiction, including the lack of extracurricular
and recreational activities, the pressure to conform to societal norms, family and
societal rejection, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, the need to
escape from daily problems, and peer pressure.
Adverse Effects on Health:
The abuse of drugs results in various adverse effects on a person’s health. Prolonged
drug use can lead to physical ailments, withdrawal symptoms such as trembling,
shaking, sweating, nausea, or exhaustion, loss of control over one’s body, irregular
heartbeat, insomnia, respiratory issues, kidney and liver damage, seizures, brain
damage, and changes in appetite, to name a few. Furthermore, drug misuse can also
lead to financial hardship, strained interpersonal relationships, and legal complications.
Which Generation in Pakistan Is Most at Risk for Drug Abuse? Teenagers?
The issue of drug abuse among the younger generation, specifically in schools,
colleges, and institutions, needs immediate attention. Startling statements by the
Minister of State for Interior revealed that over 75% of females and 45% of boys in
some of Islamabad’s top educational institutions use crystal meth. These remarks
sparked controversy on social media, with the minister receiving backlash for his
sensationalized and inaccurate claims. Such thoughtless comments by a government
official exemplify the indifferent approach and inadequate handling of this significant
problem.
Rehabilitation and treatment facilities are unable to accommodate more than 300 drug
addicts per year, according to a study published in the News. Currently, public hospitals
only provide detoxification services for drug addicts, with no medical or rehabilitative
therapies available.
Universities’ Contribution to Reducing Drug Addiction:
To combat drug addiction, students and universities must come together to raise
awareness and eliminate this threat from society as a whole. Conducting seminars on
drug awareness can shed light on the harmful effects of drugs. Additionally, inviting nongovernmental organizations and treatment facilities to share success stories of young
individuals who have successfully overcome drug addiction can encourage students to
take risks. Moreover, establishing dedicated counseling departments in educational
institutions across the nation can provide guidance and support to students dealing with
emotional and psychological upheavals such as depression, anxiety, and parental
neglect.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it is imperative for all of us to unite in order to prevent this silent killer from
destroying innocent lives.
“Nobody stays recovered unless the life they have created is more rewarding and
satisfying than the one they left behind.”
– Anne Fletcher
Arooj Shahbaz
(Psychologist)
Negative consequences of drugs
Drug abuse can lead to a myriad of negative consequences, including physical, mental, and social ramifications. Physically, drugs can cause addiction, overdose, and a range of health issues, such as heart problems, liver damage, and respiratory issues. Mentally, they can impair cognitive function, exacerbate mental health disorders, and lead to psychosis or other psychiatric conditions. Socially, drug abuse can strain relationships, lead to financial problems, legal issues, and isolate individuals from their communities. Additionally, drug trafficking fuels violence, crime, and instability in many regions. Overall, the negative consequences of drug abuse are extensive and far-reaching, impacting individuals, families, and society as a whole.