The Drug Addiction Problem in Bangladesh is not new. The recent rise in the number of drug-related crimes in Bangladesh has caused much concern among the public, and it makes one wonder how the menace is affecting our country.
The term “drug addiction” is used to refer to several different conditions. These include abuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription drugs. Drug addiction affects people of all ages but tends to be more commonly seen in young adults.
Bangladesh is going through a drug addiction epidemic. It is estimated that around 15% of the population has had some sort of drug addiction, either prescription or illegal.
Current government policy is to treat drug addiction as a health issue which means that most people who are addicted can be cured if they are willing to seek help.
However, the effects of drug addiction are often fatal, and the consequences of drug addiction can be devastating for individuals and their families.
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Research on Drug Addiction Problem in Bangladesh
The white plague has significantly increased globally in recent years, especially in South Asian countries like Bangladesh. Just like the United Nations and World Health Organization (WHO), international organizations are alarmed by this proportion of addicts. They are available from all strata of society.
The average age of drug addicts is 22. Students are mostly falling victim to substance abuse, which lowers their education and attendance standards and colleges.
The WHO defines a drug as a chemical substance of synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural origin intended for diagnostic, therapeutic, or palliative, which can modify physiological functions of man and animal.
For many influences, an adolescent can try drugs. Reasons determined as curiosity and excitement about the usage of drugs, despair, and frustration for continuous failure in work or economic insolvency.
Some get addicted because they struggle to follow the Western culture of substance abuse and the delight of life. Other reasons include poverty, quick access to drugs, dejection crazy, and mental stress thanks to family problems.
The Role of Research on Drug Addiction in Bangladesh:
The researchers and the social scientists surveyed and researched it as it has become a burning question in our society. We can also find many articles, journals, and thesis papers in the newspaper.
They are working with their best effort to recover society from this problem. They show us how alarming the situation is, how the problem is developing, how our young generation is engaging in it, and what the Government should take the necessary steps. The Government should follow the practical recommendations of the researchers for the solution to the problem.
Sorts of Drugs Available in Bangladesh
There are three sorts of drugs available in Bangladesh–opium (like heroin), cannabis (ganja), and sleeping pills (seduced).
The only common drugs utilized in Bangladesh are stimulants. The teenagers are ignorant about the variation in medicine.
A number of them cannot tell the difference between stimulants and marijuana. Thus, there is an excessive number of young using drugs.
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Causes of Drug Addiction in Bangladesh
Addiction has been a subject of many studies in the past. Most researchers have shown that addictions are related to several personality types. The researchers have suggested addictions are typically a learned behavior.
However, many people across the world are becoming addicted to drugs. Today many nations in the world are facing such a problem of addiction. Several factors cause the addiction, such as peer pressure, drug availability, media, and lack of accountability.
If we’d like to pinpoint some leading causes of the white plague, we will not avoid the subsequent ones-
Personal reasons
- Frustration
- Depression
- Poor self-esteem
- Physical abuse
- Failed romance
Social reasons
- Family problems like love deficiency, parental addiction, and loss of loved ones.
- Peer pressure
- Loneliness
- Problems in class, College, and University.
Financial reasons
- Unemployment
- Lack of family support
- Unstable economy
Political and Geographical reasons
- War or conflict
- Lack of basic rights
- Political instability
- Easy access to drugs thanks to geographical conditions.
Drug abuse creates multidimensional problems. The Government should have been concerned about removing this curse.
Bangladesh’s Government should have a strong drug policy. Within that policy, they have to cover both the preventive and curative sides. By the side of the Govt and NGOs, can it play an essential role in reducing drug demand? And it’s the likelihood of stopping substance abuse within the country.
These urgently demand central policy and institutional reforms, which involve all concerned corners to combat substance abuse within the country effectively.
Above all, it is not only the duty of the Government and researchers but also the masses people have the responsibilities and should play a vital role in the recovery.