Drug addicts shifting on synthetic derivatives of opiates

'International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking' will be observed under the auspices of United Nations across the world, including Pakistan on June 26 with a pledge that all out efforts would continue to create a narcotics free society. The day is observed with the theme of "Value yourself...make healthy choices." To mark the day, walks, seminars, scientific sessions, symposiums, and special functions will be held across the country in a bid to create awareness among the people about menace of narcotics.
According to experts, the trend of drug use in Pakistan has changed and chronic heroin addicts are shifting on synthetic derivatives of opiates mainly on account of low-cost and high degree of addiction.
The majority of addicts had switched to the use of allopathic medicines, including injections and tablets, as well as alcohol as an alternative to opium, heroin and morphine.
Expressing concern over increasing poppy cultivation in the neighbouring country of Afghanistan, they warned imminent danger from this poppy production, and said that already medical problems resulting in rise in tuberculoses, AIDS, hepatitis, skin infections, mental illness and sexual harassment have visibly been noticed in our country.
They urged the authorities to make co-ordinated efforts to fight the growing menace of drug addiction.
To a query, they stated that one of the most damaging misconceptions about drug use is that it is a permanent problem. The truth is that treatment for drug abuse can work, and can restore value and dignity to a person's life.
Millions of people, dependent as well as their families, world-wide have been directly affected by drug problems. Their lives have been disrupted, their health undermined, their education interrupted, their jobs lost, their families broken, the experts said.
"People with drug-related problems, and their families and friends, need to know that there is a way out, and that effective help is available in different forms, depending on the needs and situation of each individual", they said.
They further said that drug-abuse treatment helps communities, by reducing criminality and the risks of transmission of blood-borne infectious diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS, and by allowing them to benefit from the contributions of healthier, more productive and better integrated individuals and families.
They stated that policy makers need to bear in mind that treatment is a cost-effective way to tackle not only the health and social consequences of drug abuse, but also to reduce the associated costs of medical care, social welfare and criminal justice interventions.
Emphasising the need for rehabilitation of addicts, they said that family support, job protection, conducive work environment and helping attitude of family members as well as colleagues can be helpful for rehabilitation of drug addicts on permanent basis.
The addicts are required to be given vocational, occupational, and religious therapies so that those who are employed could resume their jobs after they have undergone the treatment, they added.
According to them, first three days of the treatment of addicts are a bit difficult, as they quit drugs and start taking medicines. Doses are gradually reduced after three days during their 10-day detoxification at the treatment center.
The addicts also need a three-month mental treatment at home and are required to remain in touch with doctors for one year.
They said that the withdrawal symptoms of heroin and opium include bodyache, sleeplessness, hunger, sneezing, yawning, diarrhoea, constipation, restlessness, disorientation and vomiting etc.