Drug addiction in Pakistan

2. Drug Abuse Awareness
and Prevention

3. Sidra Akhtar
• Clinical Psychologist
• Chairperson
• SA Foundation
• Drug & Psychological
Rehabilitation Centre

4. What is Drug Addiction?
A chronic, relapsing brain disease that is
characterized by compulsive substance seeking
and use of addictive substances, despite harmful
consequences.
“U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse”

5. What is an Addictive Drug?
A chemical substance, which
effects the physical, social,
psychological, spiritual and
economic well being of an
individual and brings changes
in his/her behavior.

6. Drug Addiction in Pakistan
• 6.7 million adults in Pakistan used drugs in the last 12
months.
• 4.25 million individuals are drug dependent.
• As a proportion of drug abusers, heroin users have
increased from 7.5 percent in 1983 to a shocking 51
percent a decade later in 1993.
13/05/2015 SidraAkhtarch 6

7.  Natural Drugs
Drugs directly derived from nature
e.g. opium, coca products and
cannabis etc.
 Semi-Synthetic Drugs
These are made from natural
drugs e.g. heroin and codeine etc
 Synthetic Drugs
These are man-made drugs e.g
ecstasy, etc.
Bases of drugs

8. Major drug Classification
DRUG FORMS FUNCTIONS TYPES
Opioids chunks, tablets,
white/brown
powder
act through
opioids receptors
Heroin,
morphine,
codiene
Stimulants tablets &
capsules
accelerate the
activity of the
CNS
Amphetamines,
Cocaine
Depressants tablets,capsules,
liquid
slow down the
activity of the
brain
Alcohol,fentanyl
Hallucinogens tablets,capsules,
powder
alter its users’
perception of
reality, time and
space,
Lsd,PCP,
Magic
mushrooms
Other Drugs colored pills,
capsules,
tablets, crystals
usually of
Hallucinogen
Group/stimulants
Ecstasy,Crystal
Myth

9. SidraAkhtarch 9

10. Physical warning Sings
• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Sleep , Appetite Problem
• Deterioration of physical appearance, personal
grooming habits
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination
13/05/2015 SidraAkhtarch 10

11. Behavioral signs
• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems.
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and
hobbies
• Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal
activities)
13/05/2015 SidraAkhtarch 11

12. Psychological warning signs
• Unexplained change in personality or attitude
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or
giddiness
• Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
13/05/2015 SidraAkhtarch 12

13. Why youth start taking drugs?
 Curiosity
 Availability
 Peer pressure
 Lack of awareness
about harms of drugs
 Poor community
support
 Lack of youth
counseling
 Early life dilemmas
 Depression

14. Youth’s Choice
Youth under the age of 25
constitutes 63% of total
population of Pakistan.

15. Prevention Programs
 Primary Prevention:
( To aware the youth)
 Secondary Prevention:
(To aware the drug addicts)
 Tertiary Prevention:
(Treatment of drug addicts)

16. Treatment Phases
• Pre -Treatment:
Initial counseling of client & family,
registration
• Treatment:
Detox (symptomatic treatment)
Primary rehab (assessment, motivational
counseling)
Secondary rehab (lectures, groups,
psychological Intervention & counseling)
• Post Treatment:
Follow-up sessions

17. Youth as Partners
 Use of Social
Media
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Whatsapp
 YouTube
 Documentaries
 Stage Dramas
 Seminars

18. Q & A

19. THANK YOU