A costly habit for the nation

By Dann Okoth

The coastal town of Mombasa has devised its own ways of monitoring drug trafficking trends.
"Watch out for zombies prowling the streets," remarks Farouk Saad, director at Citizens Against Child and Drugs Abuse (Cicada).

“Then you will know the supply chain has been interrupted and victims are scouring every nook and cranny of the city to find alternative sources,” he adds.
“But when the streets are rid of them you will know the supply is steady and that a majority of the addicts are in their hideouts shooting drugs.”

But while the barons laugh all the way to the banks after offloading their lethal cargo in the city, many families are left grappling with myriad socio-economic challenges brought about by drug peddling.

“The drugs are destroying our society. Young men are being rendered useless because they can no longer participate in economic activities,” says Saad. Mombasa and the coastal areas in general are the scenes of frequent demonstrations by mothers whose young sons have fallen victims of the activities of drug traffickers.

 “While young men in other regions wake up in the morning to engage in economic activities, ours wake up to look for drugs without which they cannot function,” remarked Isa Abdul in a recent civil society gathering in Malindi. However, the drugs problem is not unique to Kenya. Drug abuse and addiction cost society more than half a trillion dollars yearly, according to the US-based National Institute on Drug Abuse. The effects of severe, long-term drug abuse are not only costly to society, but also to the addict and those around them, the organisation notes.

Dangerous results

Some of the effects of long term drugs use include repeated drug abuse results in changes to the brain negatively impacting the individual’s self-control and judgement.

Drug abuse often leads to addiction — compulsive drug-seeking behaviour regardless of the consequences.

Drug abuse often results in the abuser being in denial; his urge to use is so powerful, he rationalises his drug use.

Chronic narcotic abuse puts the user at risk of contracting HIV/Aids, or hepatitis B or C through needle sharing. Lung disease, arthritis, brain damage, heart problems and fatal overdose are also possibilities.

Physical Effects: Snorted drugs may result in nosebleeds or sinusitis; smoked drugs can lead to bronchitis and chronic dental problems can occur from methamphetamine abuse.

With stimulants, insomnia and restlessness may be present; and the abuse of barbiturates can cause confusion and slow speech and movements.

Mental and Emotional Effects : Chronic drug abuse also impacts the mood. Increased irritability, paranoia, hallucinations and depression may occur.