opinion

Illegal drugs, cost of living

and asking a question
by Clarence E. Pilgrim

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continues to battle the world economic forces that has driven-up the cost of living in the region, and made a reality of negative food challenges, which now exist in many households. Despite this phenomenon, the problems created by the drug trade still permeates the strata of society and continues to be a source of concern for the health, welfare and security of many citizens. For example, users of illegal drugs may turn to crime to pay for their habit, and this could affect the lives of family members, friends and generally other people.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has initiated the use of June 26 each year, to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Many countries will focus on the slogan, "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No place for drugs." This year the focus will be on drug cultivation and production.

According to the UNODC world report for 2007, "The menace of drug trafficking has caught Central America and the Caribbean in a cross-fire that is jeopardizing security and development." The report further stated that around the world, "Drug addiction is killing millions of people every year and creating misery for tens of millions of others. The injection of drugs is spreading HIV and hepatitis."

It is interesting to note that even though many persons are revolted by the types and intensity of drug related criminal and anti-social behavior, there exists side-by-side, a strange fascination which is evidenced by the proliferation and glamorization of one or more dimensions of the drug trade in contemporary art, music, video games, books, newspapers, etc.

This dubious and "on the edge" mindset cannot continue, hence there is the need for a fundamental "mind changing" perspective on how we view crime and drug-related "cabals" and activities in all sectors.

This year (CARICOM) governmental leaders and civil society, right down to the grass roots level, should use the 26th of June to reflect on the institutional machinery and capabilities which presently exist to carry-on the fight against this illegal trade. The case must be made for a change in the way the message(s) of warning against the drug trade are carried.

It must always be remembered (sometimes we seem to forget) that drugs are chemicals that can alter the way the body works. Different types of drugs produce different effects on the body. Recreational drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, although legal, still have potentially serious effects on the body. Illegal recreational drugs include heroin and cocaine, and their use can cause deadly consequences.

There is also the danger that prescription drugs, which are made available to a patient, by his or her doctor or bought over the counter, can be misused and/or abused.

Illegal drugs include prescription drugs that have been dangerously modified and substances that are banned by law.

Because of the altering of the chemical processes in the body, a person taking them can become addicted. It makes the user feel that they have to take the drugs. The tolerance which may be developed by the user would cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug. The different properties of each drug affect the degree of addictive disorder(s) exhibited in each biological system. The possibilities of suffering temporary or permanent mental problems are very real.

It therefore must be realistically stated that all drugs have the potential to damage ones health. Injecting any drug with a needle and syringe that someone else has used may lead to a number of diseases from infected blood.

I wrote in an earlier commentary that "Brain damage is a real danger, depending on the drug's strength and character. Drug abuse affects the way the brain functions and alters its responses to the surrounding environment. Why would anyone want to use a substance that acts on the brain to affect behavior, actions, feelings and motivations in an unpredictable manner? By interfering with the natural brain rhythms, abusers expose themselves to risks they may not have even calculated or have an ability to define."

It is estimated that worldwide 200 million people are using drugs such as cannabis (marijuana, hashish), ATS (amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, methcathinone), opiates (opium, morphine, heroin, synthetic opiates), or cocaine.

These threats cannot be tackled by any one nation alone. They require a multi-lateral response.

I also indicated in a previous commentary that "The Caribbean Community must continue to brace itself for both the onslaught and backlash that would result in the deliberate policy of reducing the economic base of drugs, which starts with the individual user."

So, when we are asked the question about how do we intend to cope with the dangers of drugs, we should be able to say that we are committing ourselves to positive action to bring about the reduction then eventual eradication of this serious scourge --- and mean it!

The author is an educator and senior civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda

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