Drug, alcohol abuse killing society

DRUG and alcohol abuse is a growing concern that is causing a decline to the socio-economic indicators and development of Papua New Guinea.
This paper’s front page last Wednesday of an 18-year-old and her peers found in possession of methamphetamine (crystal meth) and its implements, in court of all places, paints
a grim picture of the country’s future.
PNG cannot become blind and complacent to the dire threat posed by allow heroin, cocaine, opium, crystal meth and fentanyl, which are very addictive and cheap.
These drugs, which were previously always making the news overseas, are starting to hit our headlines.
One has to look no further than the “crack epidemic” when there was a surge of crack cocaine use in major cities across the United States in the 1980s and the early 1990s to understand the social and economic cost of heavy and addictive drug use.
Add alcohol especially of the cheap home brew variety to drugs abuse in this country and we have a highly toxic mix which only undivided attention and dedicated opposition can have a hope of even arresting.
With the way these hard drugs are being sold, distributed and consumed in the country, there is a high possibility that PNG is heading in that same direction as the US in the hey days of drug and substance abuse.
The actual fact is that there is a growing number of restless youths roaming the country’s major towns and cities that are aimless so they stay high and drunk. They have no means so they harass family or rob neighbors to continue their habits.
Once frowned upon, this illegal and antisocial behavior is becoming the norm all over PNG.
The behaviour is even seen in the villages all around the country and in the abodes of so-called educated elites are involved.
One can only question how these groups have the money to go on with their drug and alcohol-induced spree for weeks on end.
The stench of marijuana and half-filled bottles of a strong alcoholic substance can be found on these individuals who become senseless and loud, threatening and instigating fights with those passing by, especially the working class, school children, market vendors and drivers on the streets.
Last month, there was a teenage-themed party at a night club in Port Moresby which went out of control.
Images on social media showed scores of young people and regular partygoers flock to the club area and continued their antics well into the night and early hours of the morning.
Such events almost always result in drunken brawls and in the worst-case scenario, loss of innocent lives.
The reality in many parts of the country is that drugs and alcohol is now becoming easily accessible to people to consume at anytime and at any place.
In April last year, a national conference on alcohol and drug abuse was held in Port Moresby that saw participants from all sectors in the country air their views on this pressing issue.
It was said that drug and alcohol abuse also contributed to mental health problems which led to an increase in psychiatric, physical and personality disorders among the people.
Gambling, coupled with the consumption of these illicit substances, has led to serious addictions, financial troubles and broken families.
The harmful use of these drugs and alcohol are among the main causes of many public health problems in the country.
Unfortunately, despite having the elaborate laws to penalise the wrongdoers, none seem to be having much effect and it seems as though the people are not afraid of the law anymore.
For instance, there is the Controlled Substances Act 2021 to address drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth and others.
There is the Liquor Licensing Act 1963, which comprehensively provides for the regulation of liquor production, sales and consumption but it is outdated and lacks compliance and enforcement.
Even with the advent of National Alcohol Policy launched in 2015, not much has been done to improve the growing trend of the abuse in the country.
All these relevant laws, regulations and policies need be reviewed and enforced to address the abuses in the country.
There is no denying that drug and alcohol abuse leads to public disorder, road accidents, domestic violence, rape, fights, physical and psychological health problems, loss of income, and the list goes on.
A holistic approach is needed to address this issue before it is too late.