Crystal Meth Addiction in Pakistan: An Alarming Crisis in Lahore

Crystal Meth Addiction Becoming an Alarming Crisis in Lahore

The alarming spread of crystal meth addiction in Pakistan, with a significant increase in cities such as Lahore, poses a severe public health challenge. This illicit drug, renowned for its devastating effects, has found its way into the lives of countless individuals, significantly impacting the nation's well-being.

Rapid Spread of Crystal Meth

According to health professionals, crystal meth addiction is soaring in Pakistan, a country with a population of over 240 million. While no official statistics are available, the trend is evident in the restive northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where crystal meth is a major concern. This region shares a border with Afghanistan, a major supplier of methamphetamine in the area.

Saba Khan, who runs Rokhana Saba drug rehabilitation center in Charsadda, reports that her center is nearly at capacity, treating 80 individuals. Many of her patients began their addiction journey after initial exposure, often through their friends. Wajid Shah, from Sakhakot, shared his story of becoming addicted to meth after trying it with friends at a music concert.

Basics of Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, commonly known as 'ice,' is a highly addictive stimulant that can be ingested, injected, snorted, or smoked. Users experience a euphoric high and intense wakefulness, which can quickly lead to addiction. Health experts warn that addicts experience severe psychological and physical effects, including severe anxiety, paranoia, and aggressive behavior.

Availability and Affordability

The widespread availability and relatively low cost of crystal meth make it attractive to young people. According to Tariq Mehmood, a program manager at the Dost Welfare Foundation, one gram of crystal meth costs around 500 rupees, approximately 1.80 USD. This price is a fraction of what it was a few years ago, when the drug cost around 5000 rupees, or 18 USD, from 2018 to 2022.

The Dost Welfare Foundation has treated around 1800 patients for meth addiction in the past year. Meth has quickly overtaken heroin and cannabis as the drug of choice in Pakistan, reflecting the drug's escalating popularity and accessibility.

Drugs Perception and Abuse in Pakistan

The cultural taboos surrounding drug abuse in Pakistan, a deeply religious and conservative Muslim-majority country, pose significant barriers to seeking treatment. Many individuals struggling with addiction do not seek help, further exacerbating the problem. The last major report on drug use in Pakistan, released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2013, indicated that around 6 percent or nearly 7 million people were addicted to drugs. The highest prevalence was found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where almost 11 percent of the population used an illicit substance.

Smuggling and Production

Experts state that the majority of crystal meth in Pakistan originates from Afghanistan, the world's largest producer of opium. With the discovery of using the native ephedra herb to produce ephedrine, a key ingredient in methamphetamine, the crystal meth industry saw a significant growth spurt in 2017. Despite a Taliban ban on the cultivation, production, and trafficking of all illicit narcotics in December 2021, the drug trade continues to thrive in Afghanistan.

Despite these challenges, Pakistan has struggled to curb the illicit drug trade. Lax enforcement of anti-narcotics laws has allowed the drug trade to persist. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government recently launched an awareness campaign to address the drug epidemic in the region, highlighting the urgency and complexity of the situation.

Conclusion

The spread of crystal meth addiction in Lahore and across Pakistan represents a critical public health challenge. Efforts to raise awareness, enforce laws, and provide support to those struggling with addiction are crucial in addressing this ongoing crisis.

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