Battling Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a worrisome phenomenon proliferating all around the world and Nepal is not an exception to it. One of the biggest issues facing youth today is drug abuse. Mishandling of drugs and other substances, which triggers anti-social behaviour, has become an issue of common concern. Drug abuse endangers the peaceful growth and efficient operation of many societies and causes unimaginable harm to the health and safety of the concerned persons. Studies have shown that the rise in drug abuse, criminality, and illegal drug trade have become a headache to parents, administration and the security agencies. Data show that peak levels of drug use are seen among those aged 20-29 in Nepal. Addicted youth will waste their prime working years, and they'll deal with a variety of concerns like poor peer connections, academic challenges, mental health problems, and exclusion from family and community. When it impacts young people, who are the backbone of development and a promising future, drug use is damaging to the person, family, society, and the nation as a whole. 

The most commonly misused drugs are those that are illegal, including, marijuana, hashish, heroin, and opium, as well as those that are prescribed for medical purposes, like buprenorphine and diazepam. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday released data showing that drug users between the ages of 20 and 29 are more severely impacted in Nepal. According to data released by the ministry, there are 130,424 drug users in Nepal as of now. Similarly, the Nepal Police reports that 4,220 persons have been detained for drug-related offenses as of mid-April this year with 20.73 per cent of those apprehended being involved in drug-related offenses. Approximately 5,000 of the 5,911 drug-related inmates currently incarcerated are acquiring treatment in rehabilitation facilities. The negative consequences of drug abuse are having a higher risk of developing major health issues, family troubles, social side effects, unlawful transactions, financial crimes, and security sensitivities. 

Although drug management and law enforcement authorities are actively working to prevent and manage the illicit drug trade, cannabis production, and its sale, this issue still exists. On the contrary, it seems to have evolved more intricately with time. In Nepal, the cultivation, production, manufacturing, procurement, sale, storage, distribution, use and export of narcotic substances are all subject to regulation under the Narcotic Substances (Control) Act of 2033. Other policies that have been approved and put into effect by the government include a separate National Drug Control Policy (2063), a National Strategy (2066) and a Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre Operation Guideline for Drug Users (2074).  In addition to these, Nepal has ratified some other agreements, such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations. 

Addressing a function organised to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha said that the increased crime rate related to drug abuse and rise in its illegal trade is a matter of serious concern for Nepal and the world. To control drug abuse, family guidelines, role of teachers, parental watchfulness and implementation of related laws is important. Special campaign from the local, provincial and federal levels should be conducted to control the use, production and smuggling of drugs and illegal substances. Prevention and control of drug misuse is a multi-stakeholder issue, and associated agencies must work together to decrease drug sales, distribution, and trafficking. Everyone should remain aware against drug misuse in order to create a healthy, civilised, and advanced society.