Drug consumption amongst youth in Goa stems from curiosity and rebellion, opine experts
Positive People’s Campaign believes: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable
At your regular Saturday night (or for that matter, any other night) party, some things are a must. Then again, others aren’t. Or at least, weren’t. However, ‘weed’, ‘hash’ or anything else you want to call it, is as present at many events as alcohol and it’s invited its friends, ‘coke’ and ‘acid’ to the party too.
What was once restricted to smaller pockets of the state, is slowly becoming a fad or norm especially at parties with peer pressure being added ‘incentive’ to become a part of a growing trend.
Claudio Fernandes (name changed) from Varca shares his experiences. “Drugs are no longer even taboo. At any party, even in villages, they are passed around as easily as a drink. I have seen this trend grow amongst my peers and have seen some of them even smoke marijuana in the street with the police force a mere stone’s throw away. Of course, they are confident that they will come to no harm as the authorities hardly ever take any action in these cases,” he says.
Peter Borges, Secretary, Positive People, an organisation that has been working relentlessly toward harm reduction and AIDS prevention in the state, is optimistic that the future not only holds hope for current users, but envisages a decrease, provided the right measures are taken. “We are in the period of rising drug abuse in Goa. We can now see signs of increasing use and initiation amongst adolescents and young people. There has also been a significant change in the type of drugs people use, with an increase of the availability of new psychoactive substances in the recent years. Rehabilitation efforts of the civil society organisations need to be supported and strengthened by the public/ government health system. It is important to remember that drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. That, where there is help, there is also hope,” maintains Borges, whose experience is culled from a 10-year tenure in the field.
To tackle the menace, however, it is imperative to understand the cause for its rise. Goa’s attribute as ‘the ultimate party/tourist destination’ has been its boon and bane as well. “Goa is looked upon as a good destination for fun, and drugs and alcohol constitute a vital part of this fun. The problem exacerbates during the peak tourist season,” observes Asha Vernekar who has been working in the field of HIV and AIDS for over 15 years.
“There’s no denying that drug use among youngsters has increased,” affirms Dr Rajesh Dhume, Senior Psychiatrist, Asilo Hospital, Mapusa. With around 25 years experience in the field, Dr Dhume observes that many local youth are drawn to the vibrant party scene in Goa. Similarly, many young people visit Goa for the casinos and drugs. “Unfortunately, Goa is viewed as a drug haven. Today LSD, marijuana, cocaine and other synthetic drugs are the most used drugs at public parties, so profusely organised particularly along the northern coastal belt,” he points out. Apparently, under the garb of drinking and dancing at a pub or party, drugs are also used. “Youngsters are curious, rebellious and experimental and with these substances so freely available, they are bound to try them,” he reasons while clarifying that the problem is not Goa specific, but identical to all Pan Asian countries.
Another alarming aspect is that today youngsters view recreational use of drugs and other substances as a casual fling. “The western concept of recreational use is being applied here. It’s the ‘in thing’. In recent years, there has been a spurt in marijuana use, particularly in professional colleges like medical, engineering and so on. The whole attitude towards recreational use is very blasé. Their reasoning is that all intellectuals need such a boost – ‘it’s so cool. If you are not doing it, you are not in’ is their mantra,” reveals Dr Dhume. The frightening aspect, he points out, is that one never knows when one can get hooked.
Despite concerted efforts over the years, the figures of those de-addicted stand at a dismal 5%. “Though the IDU addicts are less as compared to other users, IDU addiction is far more severe. While the other users can be treated with the abstinence model, OST is one of the best ways of handling IDU addiction.” To bring about a significant change, Dr Dhume advocates the need for an ideological change towards the disease. Awareness, education and limiting and controlling supply through a legal bill will contain the problem. A balanced approach includes comprehensive measures focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, social protection and cohesion.
While the vice continues to claim its victims, there is a refreshing message of hope for them as well.
