|
Since times immemorial, in most countries of the
South-East Asia Region drugs have traditionally been used, in addition to
alcohol, for ritual, religious, and recreational purposes. These drugs were
mainly cannabis products and opium. Unfortunately what we are witnessing
today, on a global scale, is a virtual epidemic of drug dependence. The WHO
report on Neuroscience of Psychoactive Substance Use and Dependence provides
an authoritative summary of current knowledge of the biological basis of
substance use behaviours, including their relationship with environmental
factors.
A disturbing trend is that more and more younger people
are being drawn into this devastating habit. Moreover, problems such as
petrol and solvents sniffing are becoming rampant amongst adolescents,
particularly street children and slum children. This often acts as a “gateway
drug” for use of more dangerous substances later.
An intercountry workshop was held in Yangon
in December 2003 in which problems related to substance abuse in the
community particularly amongst adolescents was discussed, and a draft
strategy to address this problem was developed. This strategy will now be
tested in the community.
A document entitled “Prevention of Drug Use in Schools”
has peen prepared by an expert from the Region.
|
