Highly addictive crystal meth, also known as ice, is growing in popularity among rich students and young people in Pakistan. Drug treatment is complicated by many families keeping addiction issues a secret. A rising number of people in Pakistan are using crystal methamphetamine, and addiction specialists say more students and members of the educated, upper class are being attracted to the drug. Around 27 million people struggle with drug abuse in Pakistan, according to Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF).
The recent emergence of meth abuse in a younger, educated demographic is alarming addiction. Crystal meth can be ingested orally, smoked, snorted or injected. Effects include feelings of euphoria and a reduced appetite. It is also one of the most addictive drugs of abuse.
Crystal meth, if consumed consistently, can be a more addictive stimulant than others, its users become risky, violent, and prone to anger and being hostile. It’s unfortunate that this is more common among the educated classes. Peer pressure is the biggest factor contributing to the addiction and has become a big concern for members of the middle and upper classes of the country. The vast majority of crystal meth seized by narcotics forces in 2018 was found at educational institutions.
Meth dealers are well connected. Some dealers get new addicts admitted into educational institutions so they can peddle drugs to students. Punishment for selling crystal meth can be two years in prison and a hefty fine or both, if the person is caught carrying 100 grams or less. The weight of the drugs caught has a direct influence on the length of jail time.
It is also difficult to estimate the exact number of crystal meth users, the number is quickly rising, but as many people keep addiction a secret, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number. One reason why there is such little data on addicts is that parents and family members conceal information fearing social backlash, the number of meth users could be in the tens of thousands. Data suggests that both men and women use meth. However, it is harder for women to receive drug abuse treatment in conservative areas in Pakistan. As more young people turn to drugs like meth in Pakistan, the tendency of families to keep addiction a secret threatens to create a big dilemma for Pakistani society.
MIRZA BURHAN
LAHORE
