Syed Imran Sardar
Syed Imran Sardar is Research Analyst at the Institute of Regional Studies.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: Drug abuse, human health, HIV, disability, Global Burden of Disease, Smuggler, addicts, strict laws, synthetic drugs, psychoactive effects, financial constraints, South Asia, Golden Crescent, golden Triangle, students, India, Pakistan, ATS, illicit drug control
Abstract
Even though most people recognise that drug abuse has negative effects on both users and their communities, the prevalence of drug abuse continues to rise.Changes in drug abuse patterns are a major cause for alarm, especially in a region like South Asia that is both a consumer and a supplier of illegal substances. South Asia is particularly vulnerable to both organic drug use and emerging trends because of its placement between the world’s two primary heroin and opium production regions. This paper will investigate the flow of new synthetic medications into and out of the South Asian region, including amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS). The paper then draws conclusions and gives suggestions for the South Asian region based on this knowledge. The analysis finds that throughout South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, where organic drug addiction is also widespread, there has been a worrying surge in the usage of synthetic drugs. It makes controlling illegal substances extremely difficult. A public awareness campaign discouraging the improper use of these substances is urgently needed. The two largest countries in South Asia, India and Pakistan, need to stop acting like automatons and begin exploring new possibilities. All parties involved need to realise the seriousness of the situation and collaborate to find a solution.
First Published
December 25, 2015
How to Cite
Syed Imran Sardar, “Drug Abuse: Global vs South Asian Trends with Special Reference to India and Pakistan,” Regional Studies 34, no.1 (Winter 2015-16): 3-25, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/drug-abuse-global-vs-south-asian-trends-with-special-reference-to-india-and-pakistan/
Issue
Volume 34, Issue 1