Alarming spread of drug abuse

DRUG menace is compounding and its roaring presence is frightening us beyond measure. Unless strong and effective steps are taken and taken immediately, it is going to inflict further damages to society. Youths are the future of any nation and tragically most drug addicts of our country are members of the youth community. As we see a large segment of our youths is lost in drug abuse, we shudder to think about their future. Drug abuse is a menace with grave biological, social, financial, psychological and security impact on individuals, families and the community. The widespread abuse of drugs has become a human tragedy in many countries of the world including ours. In Bangladesh about 80 per cent of the drug addicts are adolescents and young men of 15 to 30 years of age.

Drug abuse is now prevalent everywhere: at homes, on streets, in workplaces, parks, slums, markets and even in educational institutions both in rural and urban areas. Virtually all segments of society are severely affected by this problem. The spread of multiple drug use has further aggravated the overall problem, personal and social dysfunction, impairment of health, crime and other violent behaviour.

We have to create awareness among common people to get rid of it and I think a chapter on drug abuse and its consequences in school textbooks should be included so that children can learn the negative effect of drug abuse. Only strong will, family support, group support can help a person to overcome the habit of drug abuse.

Amiruzzaman Khan

Mirpur, Dhaka