PROPOSALS TO CURB DRUG ABUSE

SHARJAH -- A research into the demographic and social problems of drug
abuse among youths in the UAE has recommended, among other things, that
medical tests be conducted periodically on school and university students
for early detection of drug addiction so that quick intervention is possible.

The research by Aysha Ibrahim Al Buraimi of the Police Research Centre at
the General Directorate of Sharjah Police carried much weight in the light
of a recent case in Dubai in which the Criminal Investigation Department
there probed a case in which 18 youths, including 17 university and higher
college students, were questioned on charges of drug peddling and abuse.
The youths belonged to various foreign nationalities and they were
suspected of having used hashish.

The researcher recommended that a more stringent monitoring regime be put
in place to keep a vigilant eye on coffee shops, pharmacies, barber shops
and clubs. The study also recommended intensification of police patrol
presence in remote areas and on city outskirts.

The study mainly focused on youths as the drugs problem is affecting them
most. A questionnaire conducted by the researcher covered 918 students from
various universities in the UAE. It sought to find the sources of drugs and
places where youngsters gather for drug abuse and to get to know why youths
resort to the menace.

The majority of students answered the questionnaire on how they knew of
drugs by saying it was through the media. Heroin is the most common drug,
taken mainly by injection.

The study said awareness on the dangers of drugs by families should be
improved so that intervention to save a youth becomes possible at early
stages of addiction. Children should be taught to shoulder responsibility
to gain self-confidence.

Al Buraimi said extracurricular activities at schools and universities
should be enhanced to keep students away from bad habits. She said the
curriculum should include information on how to avoid the menace of drugs.
Anti-drug effort should also be included in extracurricular activities, she
added.

Al Buraimi said the role of the media in fighting drugs should also be
enhanced.

"The health, psychological and social damage caused to drug addicts should
be highlighted by the media," she underlined. Educational materials on the
dangers associated with drugs should be distributed to students, especially
those travelling outside the UAE for study or tourism, she said.

The researcher also said that efforts to minimise demand on drugs should be
further enhanced by intensifying police operations.