The addiction is not just harmful to the individual—it is a dangerous threat to the entire society
By Iqra Jokhio
Drug addiction has become a devastating disease that destroys a person physically, mentally, and spiritually. The use of intoxicating substances acts as a deadly poison for any society, as once a person falls into this trap, he becomes a burden not only on himself but also on his family and society at large. In a large and densely populated city like Karachi, the addiction to drugs has reached alarming proportions. Whether it’s the streets, underpasses, parks, or even educational institutions, young people are increasingly falling prey to this deadly curse. It is a tragic irony that the very youth who were once seen as the bright future of the nation are now losing both their present and future to this life-threatening habit.
In Karachi, the number of drug addicts is rising day by day. Many young individuals start using drugs out of mere curiosity or due to peer pressure, not realizing that this seemingly harmless experiment will soon turn into a life-consuming habit. Once addiction takes over, the individual begins to lose control over their life. Their physical health deteriorates, their mental state collapses, and their emotional ties to loved ones begin to fade. Addicts often lie, steal, and engage in criminal activities to fulfill their desires, and eventually, their character and personality fall apart. It has become a common sight in Karachi to see people sprawled out on the streets, completely consumed by drugs, presenting a shameful and heart-wrenching picture for society.
Drug addiction manifests in many forms, including the use of cannabis, heroin, crystal meth (ice), marijuana, intoxicating pills, and injections. These toxic substances are widely available in various areas of Karachi, making it frighteningly easy for anyone, especially the youth, to gain access. The most unfortunate aspect is that the people involved in selling these substances operate openly and fearlessly, while the law enforcement agencies remain passive spectators. Criminal groups targeting students in schools and colleges have become increasingly active, trapping young minds in this web of destruction. As a result, those who were meant to become the country’s pride through education and hard work are turning into criminals, thieves, or helpless individuals fighting for survival.
Often, drug addicts resort to crime to fulfill their needs. There has been a significant rise in street crimes such as theft, mobile snatching, robbery, and even violent offenses. This not only instills fear in the hearts of the public but also severely affects the peace and law-and-order situation in the city. The sight of drug-affected individuals roaming freely on Karachi’s roads raises serious questions about the effectiveness of our social and legal systems. This situation compels us to take a stand, raise our voices against this growing evil, and search for long-lasting solutions.
To tackle this serious issue, efforts need to be made on individual, collective, and governmental levels. Every segment of society must step forward to launch a strong and effective campaign against this menace. Awareness programs should be held regularly in educational institutions, and media platforms should be used to continuously spread information about the dangers and consequences of drug addiction. Parents, too, must play an active role by closely monitoring their children, maintaining friendly relationships with them, and protecting them from falling into bad company. The government must take strict action against those involved in the drug trade and also focus on upgrading and expanding rehabilitation centers to help addicts recover and reintegrate into society.
This addiction is not just harmful to the individual—it is a dangerous threat to the entire society. When a drug addict is seen lying helpless on the street, it is not just a personal tragedy, but a clear sign of our collective failure as a community. The rising trend of drug addiction in a metropolitan city like Karachi sends a dire warning: if we do not act now and take meaningful steps, the future will only bring more darkness and despair. The time has come for us to wake up to this reality, fulfill our responsibilities, and work towards building a society where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy, prosperous, and purposeful life.
Read: Drug Addiction Among Youth: A Growing Crisis
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Iqra Jokhio is 2nd year student of Mass Communication at the University of Karachi
