ILLEGAL DRUGS – A REAL THREAT TO OUR REGION

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) continues to battle the world
economic forces that has driven-up the cost of living in the region
and made a reality of negative food challenges, which now exist in
many households. Despite this phenomenon, the problems created by the
drug trade still permeate the strata of society and continue to be a
source of concern for the health, welfare and security of many
citizens. For example, users of illegal drugs may turn to crime to
pay for their habit, and this could affect the lives of family
members, friends and generally other people.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) initiated the
use of 26 June each year, to observe the International Day against
Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Many countries will focus on the
slogan, "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your community. No
place for drugs." This year the focus will be on drug cultivation and
production.

According to the UNODC world report for 2007, "The menace of drug
trafficking has caught Central America and the Caribbean in a
crossfire that is jeopardising security and development." It further
stated that around the world, "Drug addiction is killing millions of
people every year and creating misery for tens of millions of others.
The injection of drugs is spreading HIV and hepatitis."

It is interesting to note that even though many people are angered by
the types and intensity of drug-related criminal and anti-social
behaviour, there exists side-by-side, a strange fascination which is
evidenced by the proliferation and glamourisation of one or more
dimensions of the drug trade in contemporary art, music, video games,
books, newspapers, etc.

This dubious and "on the edge" mindset cannot continue, hence there
is the need for a fundamental "mind changing" perspective on how we
view crime and drug-related "cabals" and activities in all sectors.

This year, Caricom government leaders and civil society, right down
to the grass roots level, should use 26 June to reflect on the
institutional machinery and capabilities which presently exist to
carry-on the fight against this illegal trade. The case must be made
for a change in the way the message(s) of warning against the drug
trade are carried.

It must always be remembered – sometimes we seem to forget – that
drugs are chemicals that can alter the way the body works. Different
types of drugs produce different effects on the body. Recreational
drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, although legal, still have
potentially serious effects on the body.

There is also the danger that prescription drugs, which are made
available to a patient, by a doctor or bought over the counter, can
be misused and/or abused.

Illegal drugs include prescription drugs that have been dangerously
modified and substances that are banned by law.

Because of the altering of the chemical processes in the body, a
person taking them can become addicted. It makes the user feel that
he/she has to take the drugs. The tolerance which may be developed by
the user would cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if he/she stops
using the drug. The different properties of each drug affect the
degree of addictive disorder(s) exhibited in each biological system.
The possibilities of suffering temporary or permanent mental problems
are very real!

It therefore must be realistically stated that all drugs have the
potential to damage ones health. Injecting any drug with a needle and
syringe that someone else has used may lead to a number of infected
blood diseases.

I wrote in an earlier commentary that "Brain damage is a real danger,
depending on the drug's strength and character. Drug abuse affects
the way the brain functions and alters its responses to the
surrounding environment. Why would anyone want to use a substance
that acts on the brain to affect behaviour, actions, feelings and
motivations in an unpredictable manner? .... By interfering with the
natural brain rhythms, abusers expose themselves to risks they may
not have even calculated or have an ability to define."

It is estimated worldwide that 200 million people are using drugs
such as cannabis – marihuana, hashish, ATS-amphetamine,
methamphetamine, ecstasy, methcathinone, opiates – opium, morphine,
heroin, synthetic opiates and cocaine. These threats cannot be
tackled by any one nation alone. They require a multi-lateral
response. I also indicated in a previous commentary, "The Caribbean
Community must continue to brace itself for both the onslaught and
backlash that would result in the deliberate policy of reducing the
economic base of drugs, which starts with the individual user."

So, when we are asked, "how do we intend to cope with the dangers of
drugs?", we should be able to say that we are committing ourselves to
positive action, to bring about the reduction then an eventual
eradication of this serious scourge. And mean it!

Clarence E. Pilgrim is an enviromentalist, advocate for human rights,
educator, a senior officer in the Antigua & Barbuda Civil service and
volunteer for various non-profit organisations.

The above opinions are not necessarily those of the publisher,
newspaper, its advertisers or employees.