Drug addiction is a worldwide problem. It is not a new one but has undoubtedly become more widespread since easy means of travelling have become available to the “men in the street”. Although the black spots are to be found in the big cities and sea ports, drug addiction respects neither race nor religion, neighbourhood nor economic status. No area or community is free from its dangers. Most dangerous drugs are obtained from plants. The crude drugs are extracted and purified. The most serious drugs that we are concerned with are opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine and cannabis.
Unfortunately master drug dealers seldom carry drugs themselves, male and female agents are used who do not know the names of the organizers or will not disclose them. Members of ship crews are obvious agents who use all kind of devices to distribute the drugs in their crude or prepared status. False bottomed suitcases, trunks, hollow soled shoes, hollow heels, concealed pockets in clothing and even body orifices and cavities have been used. When the agent has safely handed over his consignment of drugs distribution is easy in countries with good a communication. The drugs pass eventually to sellers or pushers who may first give them to possible victims as bait. When the victims have taken enough to want more they must buy it. Drugs are expensive and to find enough money addicts often resort to crime. The drugs affect them morally and socially.
The term habit used to be distinguished from addiction. A habit-forming drug was considered to be one which produced physical dependence and there are many of them but they do not cause withdrawal symptoms neither do they affect the patient morally. Addiction on the other hand was considered to cause general detoriation in both physical and moral health producing psychological dependency and withdrawal symptoms. Addiction was defined as a condition in which a person compulsively misuses a drug to such an extent that both his health and his contribution to society deteriorates.
The causes of drug addiction are difficult to pinpoint but it is most likely to affect those of weak character, the maladjusted, irresponsible, selfish, imature or thrill seeking individuals. Initial contact with the addictive drug is of cause necessary. People who suffer from chronic diseases can become addicted to drugs prescribed for them but if they do, there is usually some contributory maladjustment. Some patients in the terminal stages of painful diseases become addicted, but they receive their drugs under medical supervision and do not constitute a threat to the society. Many addicts begin taking drugs before the age of twenty and many persons start using drugs without realizing how difficult it will be to stop and without understanding the serious consequences.
Marijuana, cigarettes are a potential danger in that they offer a first step to addiction. Marijuana is a drug of habit rather than of addiction but does cause some slight psychological dependency and therefore serves as a prelude to some sophisticated drugs. Dangerous drugs act in force in most countries make it a legal obligation to keep all drugs of addiction under lock and key and allow only qualified persons to obtain and administer them. Controllers of medical institutions, doctors, dentist, pharmacist and vertenary surgeons must abide by these regulations, which attempt to prevent drugs required for medicinal purposes from reaching the illicit market. Pharmacists must be on the lookout constantly for forged prescriptions. Medical practitioners are urged to prevent blank prescription sheets from getting into unprofessional hands.
Most people who have been addicted can be cured if they make the effort and want to be helped. Long and skillful psychiatric treatment is required and rehabilitation is most important. Discharged patients need sympathetic understanding and help of family friends and the support of family doctors and employers in making real adjustment to the stresses of life instead of again resorting to drugs as a form of escape. Nurses and doctors have a special responsibility for safeguarding the supply of the drugs they use in their work and of course for resisting privately and collectively the inevitable temptation to use them personally.
Healing Words
I beseech you brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.) ICorinth. 16:15.
There is a type of addiction that is desirable and life giving instead of being destructive. This is addiction to the study of the word of God, prayers and then ministering to the need of our neighbours. This type of addiction is a seed sowing addiction that is sure to yield abundant harvest.
