written by: Saba Sifat Jan
Addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Drug addiction is a rapidly growing issue among youth. A rapid increase in drug addiction among students in academic institutions has emerged as a serious social problem confronting contemporary Pakistani society that constitutes one of the highest proportions of young people in the world.
In Pakistan, the total number of drug addicts as per UN reports is 7.6 million, where 78% are male while the rest 22% are female. The number of drug addicts is increasing 40,000 per year making Pakistan one of the most drug-affected countries in the world. Why is it so? Why youth is addicted to this life-threatening addiction?
According to surveys, 56.4% of youth use to relax or relieve tension, 53.5% to feel good or get high, 52.4% to experiment, 44.8% to relieve physical pain, and 29.5% to have a good time with friends.
It is crucial to uncover the root of drug use in teens and young adults as soon as it starts to grow. To prevent deep-seated drugs we have to take action now. We have to ask questions. We have to understand the problem at hand. We have to have some penetration into if and how badly this problem could headway.
