VISAKHAPATNAM: Though Andhra Pradesh has low proportion of drug users when compared to other states, the drug abuse and alcohol addiction have been driving 250 to 300 people, including women, to suicide a year for the past few years. Experts say government and enforcement agencies must focus on spreading scientific awareness to deal with the drug menace.
Experts feel that the Covid-19 fuelled drug use in parts of state. Youngsters and students in cities and rural pockets got addicted to cannabis and a few other sedative drugs during the pandemic.
NCRB’s report on ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’ says that a total of 385 people, including nine females and one transgender, died by suicide in AP in 2020 due to drug abuse and alcohol addiction. In 2019, 302 people, including seven women, ended their life due to drug abuse and alcohol addiction in the state.
“There is a need to create scientific awareness among the people to curb drug abuse. Awareness against drugs should not be limited just to those who fall prey to it, but every youngster should come forward to fight the drug menace,” said noted psychiatrist NN Raju. The pandemic has led to fear, panic, anxiety and depression among the people and some have become addicted to cannabis and liquor,” he added.
The Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel, with the support of other departments, managed to destroy the ganja cultivation in over 7,500 acres (worth over 9,000 crore) in two districts in the past few months.
The enforcement officials also seized a large quantity of dry hemp. However, the smugglers are finding new ways to transport and supply the weed to customers in various places.
Vizag and a few other places in the state are seeing an increase in the consumption of ecstasy, LSD, and a few other drugs. The drug addicts are turning into drug peddlers to make easy money.
Underlining the need to eradicate the menace, Dr Uma Mahendra Raj of Green Valley Foundation which deals with substance-addicted patients in parts of the state, said they have been creating awareness as well giving counselling to the drug addicts.
“The main aim is to make youth aware of the dangers of drugs and intensify the spirit of joint initiative to realise the dream of drug-free society,” she added.
