LOCAL NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

Keep youths away from drug abuse

By Bishnu Prasad Aryal

KATHMANDU, Sept. 17: Inspector General of Police Pradeep Sumsher Jung Bahadur Rana said today that the society and the country at large would benefit a lot if the vulnerable youths could be kept away from drug abuse.

IGP Rana made the remark at the sixth anniversary of Aasara Reformation Centre (ARC), the charity organisation run by the Women's Cell of Nepal Police.

Established in 1996, the Centre cures drug addicts and rehabilitates them in the society. The Centre has gotten a facelift with its own complex at Lazimpat. It has added 15 beds, bringing the total number to 50.

IGP Rana's remark comes at a time when a growing number of youths are indulging in drug abuse with rehabilitation centres are unable to take in any more drug addicts.

"Drug abuse is a menace to society. If the society works as a watchdog and saves them from becoming victims of this social malady, our youths can contribute from their sides in the development of the country," said Rana.

He further said that the Nepal Police was dedicated to reducing and controlling the demand and supply of drugs and narcotics.

Presenting the annual report, Sabita Shah, secretary of the ARC said that 229 drug abusers out of the 781 admitted to the centre had been treated successfully.

She said the drug addicts seeking rehabilitation comprise both the educated and uneducated and come from both rich and poor families. "We even have Master's degree holders and doctors with MBBS and MD degrees," she told The Rising Nepal.

Shah said 552 men had left the centre without completing the three-month treatment course. Among them, 70 were HIV positive, 20 had Hepatitis B, 10 were HIV positive besides suffering from Hepatitis B, while 19 had psychiatric problems. Five per cent of the patients who left have rejoined the centre after again taking to drugs.

The oldest drug addict who had undergone treatment at the centre was a 56-year-old man and the youngest was an 11-year-old boy who smoked hashish.

Shanta Rana, president of the centre said, "Drug abuse has become a global challenge with the young generation particularly vulnerable." She said drug abuse gives rise to domestic violence. "Without reciprocal solidarity from the society, an organization alone can not resolve this crisis."
Jyoti Pyakurel, member-secretary of Social Welfare Council, highlighting the importance of social service and devotion, assured that the Council would provide skill-oriented training to those in need.
Roshan Regmi, a youth undergoing treatment at the Center, said that behavioural attitudes and psychological problems such asanger, frustration, false notions of heroism and overconfidence were the major causes behind addiction.

Another drug abuser, who did not want to be named, told this reporter that he had been into drugs for the past eight years. "I have now realised that my behaviour brings hatred from my family and society."

Sushila Sharma, a guardian whose son is receiving treatment at the centre, said, "Bad company, a negative attitude towards life and lack of self-control lead youths towards drugs."

The ARC officials said they use yoga, daily diary writing , sports and psychiatric to rehabilitate the drug addicts. This is the method used by most drug rehabilitation centres around the world.

The ARC and other rehabilitation centres in Nepal has a three-month treatment course, although many such centers around the world keep patients for upto two years.

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