By Riffat Sadiq
Addiction. The word brings to mind the use of illegal drugs, abused by junkies huddled in dark corners. Hardly anyone thinks of the drugs in their own medicine cabinet, prescribed by a certified physician. Yet, unfortunately, the incidence of addiction to perfectly legal, commonly prescribed drugs is increasing every day.
Healing, in the strictest sense, is not just confined to doling out medicine but requires a holistic approach. Responsibility, empathy and trustworthy attitude on the part of professionals go a long way towards speeding up the recovery process. Unfortunately, many health professionals do not bother to go into details and merely treat the surface problem as it appears.
Many female addicts in a rehabilitation centre report that when they consulted doctors in case of severe tension and disturbed sleep, they were prescribed tranquilisers. Over time, use of tranquilisers led to addiction. Painkillers prescribed after surgery can also lead to addiction.
Prescribing medicines based on incomplete history and injecting painkillers without informing the patient of the precautions and risks can have serious, far-reaching consequences. When a patient complains of disturbed sleep, health professionals should try to discover the underlying factors and refer these patients to psychologists/psychotherapist to be counselled in this regard.
At the very least, doctors themselves must try to counsel the patient on the spot and think carefully before making out a prescription. It is their responsibility to make the patient understand the dangers of the drug they are going to take.
Causes behind emotional disturbances vary between men and women. In men, usually, the pressure to be the bread-earner can take a toll. Job and workplace conflicts/politics, heavy workload and a feeling of inadequacy due to not being able to provide the best for their family can lead to frustration and stress. Domestic issues like disturbed conjugal life, demands and expectations of family members, etc. also lead to tension and may cause hypertension, lack of sleep, etc.
For women, the issues may be somewhat different. Conflict with in-laws, the pressure of dealing with one’s own parents, lack of attention from partner, lack of amenities, the burden of household chores and managing the children, not having enough time to socialise and a feeling of lack of control over their own life can adversely affect their health.
Furthermore, in our society, unmarried women often suffer feelings of loneliness and deprivation owing to society’s attitude towards them.
These factors lay the ground for emotional turmoil that is reported to doctors in the form of headache, tension, disturbed sleep, tiredness, body aches, loss of appetite, etc. Tranquilisers prescribed in such cases simply take the patient deeper into the abyss of depression.
Some of the media too, is playing a very irresponsible role by promoting the use of painkillers and tranquilisers.
Advertisements for over-the-counter analgesics and anti-histamines simply promote the concept that pills can be popped like candy whenever the need arises. Health authorities need to instruct manufacturers to include warnings in their advertising.
There is also a very disturbing trend of self-medication prevalent in our society. Once the patient has been prescribed a certain medicine, he/she tops-up the prescription as and when they feel the need. People also, often take medicines on their friends’ recommendation instead of visiting the doctor themselves.
We need to create awareness regarding the fact that even seemingly harmless drugs should be taken with caution, as per a doctor’s advice.
Ref : http://www.dawn.com/2011/03/06/drug-abuse-addicted-to-prescription.html
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
7-Ways for Staying Away from drugs
7-Ways for Staying Away from drugs
By Shireen Ismail
1-Seek guidance of Allah Almighty
Always pray to Allah Almighty to guide you regarding making friends because He only knows the intentions of people. He is the only one who knows what is going on behind the scene. Therefore, ask Him to help you to be stayed away from all kinds of evils.
2- Try to be a part of good company
Try to find a company of good friends. Good friends not in term of appearance, status or extra ordinary talent but in term of good attitude. A friend having good self esteem help you to build self confidence, sense of right and wrong and exhibits tolerance, if something bad happens in life. Being a part of good company, you will prevent your self from going astray, for instance, drug addiction.
3.Don't copy others
Try to know yourself, who are you? What do you want? Focus on your abilities, talent and resources not on what others are doing. Don't copy others and try to be satisfied what actually you are. Attire, make up and particular style of people of showbiz and other fields never make you satisfied as your own unique personality can.
4. Express yourself
Express your feelings and emotions in positive ways such as writing essays, poems, painting, designing, making recipes, sharing with significant one, If no one is there to share your feelings, then try to write a story about your self. Also talk to Almighty after prayer, He will listen your and make you relaxed.
5. Do some exercises
Do some physical and mental exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing to be relaxed. These exercises will make you energetic and confident to deal with life problems and tension.
6. Dare to ask question
If some one offers you cigarette or something else then you ask questions like, what is this?. What is the benefit of it? Why is he using that? Don't care of loosing such kinds of friends. Don't be fearful of being rejected by others.
7.Dare to say ' No'
Refuse to experiment a cigarette even you are being made fun of others, rejected or deemed a coward person. Dare to say no and go on another way and you will find people having positive attitude. Don't be scared of being alone.
By Shireen Ismail
1-Seek guidance of Allah Almighty
Always pray to Allah Almighty to guide you regarding making friends because He only knows the intentions of people. He is the only one who knows what is going on behind the scene. Therefore, ask Him to help you to be stayed away from all kinds of evils.
2- Try to be a part of good company
Try to find a company of good friends. Good friends not in term of appearance, status or extra ordinary talent but in term of good attitude. A friend having good self esteem help you to build self confidence, sense of right and wrong and exhibits tolerance, if something bad happens in life. Being a part of good company, you will prevent your self from going astray, for instance, drug addiction.
3.Don't copy others
Try to know yourself, who are you? What do you want? Focus on your abilities, talent and resources not on what others are doing. Don't copy others and try to be satisfied what actually you are. Attire, make up and particular style of people of showbiz and other fields never make you satisfied as your own unique personality can.
4. Express yourself
Express your feelings and emotions in positive ways such as writing essays, poems, painting, designing, making recipes, sharing with significant one, If no one is there to share your feelings, then try to write a story about your self. Also talk to Almighty after prayer, He will listen your and make you relaxed.
5. Do some exercises
Do some physical and mental exercises such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing to be relaxed. These exercises will make you energetic and confident to deal with life problems and tension.
6. Dare to ask question
If some one offers you cigarette or something else then you ask questions like, what is this?. What is the benefit of it? Why is he using that? Don't care of loosing such kinds of friends. Don't be fearful of being rejected by others.
7.Dare to say ' No'
Refuse to experiment a cigarette even you are being made fun of others, rejected or deemed a coward person. Dare to say no and go on another way and you will find people having positive attitude. Don't be scared of being alone.
Role of The Mosque in Confronting The Epidemic of Substance Abuse
Role of The Mosque in Confronting The Epidemic of Substance Abuse
It is well known that alcoholism was wide spread all over the Arab Peninsula. The acceptance of the people for alcohol use was at its acme. Literature especially poetry reflects this fact. The deleterious effects of alcoholism was manifested on the social life conducting the tribes to continuous conflicts and wars
The main approach to the problem by Islam, was to adopt gradation in forbidding alcoholism. This was carried out side by side with improving the social conditions of the people. Faith played a major part in these two approaches. The time estimated from the beginning of the campaign to its end was about 15 years. The personality of the leader, "The Prophet" was revolutionary affecting this change. The model he gave, as 1st step was the true example adopted by him and all his near followers and so they were respected and their pieces of advice were accepted, absorbed, well learned and maintained denoting absolute response:
"THE PROPHET GAVE TRUE EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED" (S.33: V.21)
The 2nd step was disseminating knowledge about the evils of alcohol that it is deleterious and detrimental:
THE BELIEVERS ENQUIRE ABOUT SPIRITS AND GAMBLING. INFORM THEM THAT THEY HAVE THEIR EVILS AND USES FOR PEOPLE BUT THEIR EVILS OUTWEIGH THEIR USES. (S2: V.219).
Thus drawing the attention to the deleterious effects of using spirits and gambling.
The 3rd step was rather decisive, it says blankly.
YOU BELIEVERS DO NOT APPROACH PRAYING WHILE YOU ARE UNDER THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL. (S.4: V.43)
Thus minimizing the abuse during most of the day, as the five prayers extend from dawn time until nightfall. The 4th step came when the people had matured enough to accept it through the penetrating model, the persuading orientation and the partial legislation. It was related that one of believers namely "Omar Ebn El Khtab" said in a meeting in the mosque "Oh Allah give us a decisive say about alcohol". At this time of real faith and maturation the last step was declared by the verse saying:
YOU BELIEVERS, SPIRITS, GAMBLING. IDOLS AND FORTUNE TELLING ARE ALL EVILS WHICH YOU SHOULD ABANDON THAT YOU MAY PROSPER. (S.5: V.90)
These vita steady steps treating the social and the spiritual side were the two pillars upon which the plan of combat rested.
History states that since the last verse the majority of the abusers abstained and the people lived without alcohol and did not drink or touch or sell or buy or sit with abusers or even carry it. This picture is unique in history and is a witness of the success of the campaign. From the above stated example we can deduce the items of the Islamic approach.
1. The model of the leader.
2. The dissemination of information about the evils of abuse.
3. Legislative steps were gradual hand in hand with these approaches and the change was to the better of the social life of the people.
4. The law of prohibition and imposing punishment for abusers came last.
It is well known that alcoholism was wide spread all over the Arab Peninsula. The acceptance of the people for alcohol use was at its acme. Literature especially poetry reflects this fact. The deleterious effects of alcoholism was manifested on the social life conducting the tribes to continuous conflicts and wars
The main approach to the problem by Islam, was to adopt gradation in forbidding alcoholism. This was carried out side by side with improving the social conditions of the people. Faith played a major part in these two approaches. The time estimated from the beginning of the campaign to its end was about 15 years. The personality of the leader, "The Prophet" was revolutionary affecting this change. The model he gave, as 1st step was the true example adopted by him and all his near followers and so they were respected and their pieces of advice were accepted, absorbed, well learned and maintained denoting absolute response:
"THE PROPHET GAVE TRUE EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED" (S.33: V.21)
The 2nd step was disseminating knowledge about the evils of alcohol that it is deleterious and detrimental:
THE BELIEVERS ENQUIRE ABOUT SPIRITS AND GAMBLING. INFORM THEM THAT THEY HAVE THEIR EVILS AND USES FOR PEOPLE BUT THEIR EVILS OUTWEIGH THEIR USES. (S2: V.219).
Thus drawing the attention to the deleterious effects of using spirits and gambling.
The 3rd step was rather decisive, it says blankly.
YOU BELIEVERS DO NOT APPROACH PRAYING WHILE YOU ARE UNDER THE EFFECT OF ALCOHOL. (S.4: V.43)
Thus minimizing the abuse during most of the day, as the five prayers extend from dawn time until nightfall. The 4th step came when the people had matured enough to accept it through the penetrating model, the persuading orientation and the partial legislation. It was related that one of believers namely "Omar Ebn El Khtab" said in a meeting in the mosque "Oh Allah give us a decisive say about alcohol". At this time of real faith and maturation the last step was declared by the verse saying:
YOU BELIEVERS, SPIRITS, GAMBLING. IDOLS AND FORTUNE TELLING ARE ALL EVILS WHICH YOU SHOULD ABANDON THAT YOU MAY PROSPER. (S.5: V.90)
These vita steady steps treating the social and the spiritual side were the two pillars upon which the plan of combat rested.
History states that since the last verse the majority of the abusers abstained and the people lived without alcohol and did not drink or touch or sell or buy or sit with abusers or even carry it. This picture is unique in history and is a witness of the success of the campaign. From the above stated example we can deduce the items of the Islamic approach.
1. The model of the leader.
2. The dissemination of information about the evils of abuse.
3. Legislative steps were gradual hand in hand with these approaches and the change was to the better of the social life of the people.
4. The law of prohibition and imposing punishment for abusers came last.
A Chain of Destruction
A Chain of Destruction
By Rifat Sadiq
Addiction to drugs leads to gradual destruction of physical, mental, social and spiritual health of an individual. Continuous use of any drug results in biochemical changes; impair all internal system of human body. When this epidemic weakens the immune system, the human body becomes vulnerable to chronic or incurable diseases. Being indulge in addiction, an addict ruins not only his physical health but also embraces psychological problems as well. Addiction deteriorates the addict's ability to manage his stress and to solve his problems. Feelings of hostility, anger, guilt and hopelessness are vividly seen in addict's personality.
A drug addict remains isolated from significant one, does not fulfill social responsibilities that further lead to disturbed interpersonal relationships. Avoiding family and relatives, absence from workplace and deterioration of family finances and assets bring disharmony in all aspects of life. An addict seems to deviate from social norms, religious rituals, looses a sense of right and wrong and appears as a socially dysfunction person.
Unfortunately, an addict ruins himself and his whole family by impacting adversely their mental and emotional health. As a result, they seem to avoid facing society. Deviant behaviors like stealing, pick pocketing, quarreling, using abusing language and involvement in sexual behaviors generate feelings of shame and guilt in family members. Sometimes, they have to give money to their addicted family member and become co-dependent. In South Asian countries, daughters and sisters of addicts are having problems of suitable proposal for marriage. People do not like to have any relation with addict's family. For this reason, family seems to hide the reality and refuses to provide any kind of support to its addicted family member.
After the destruction of family life, addicts have to live away from family, spend time with street addicts, and indulge more and more in drugs that, eventually, put them to death. Sometimes, their funerals are attended by family, relatives and friends and sometimes, these poor addicts are buried by welfare organizations.
By Rifat Sadiq
Addiction to drugs leads to gradual destruction of physical, mental, social and spiritual health of an individual. Continuous use of any drug results in biochemical changes; impair all internal system of human body. When this epidemic weakens the immune system, the human body becomes vulnerable to chronic or incurable diseases. Being indulge in addiction, an addict ruins not only his physical health but also embraces psychological problems as well. Addiction deteriorates the addict's ability to manage his stress and to solve his problems. Feelings of hostility, anger, guilt and hopelessness are vividly seen in addict's personality.
A drug addict remains isolated from significant one, does not fulfill social responsibilities that further lead to disturbed interpersonal relationships. Avoiding family and relatives, absence from workplace and deterioration of family finances and assets bring disharmony in all aspects of life. An addict seems to deviate from social norms, religious rituals, looses a sense of right and wrong and appears as a socially dysfunction person.
Unfortunately, an addict ruins himself and his whole family by impacting adversely their mental and emotional health. As a result, they seem to avoid facing society. Deviant behaviors like stealing, pick pocketing, quarreling, using abusing language and involvement in sexual behaviors generate feelings of shame and guilt in family members. Sometimes, they have to give money to their addicted family member and become co-dependent. In South Asian countries, daughters and sisters of addicts are having problems of suitable proposal for marriage. People do not like to have any relation with addict's family. For this reason, family seems to hide the reality and refuses to provide any kind of support to its addicted family member.
After the destruction of family life, addicts have to live away from family, spend time with street addicts, and indulge more and more in drugs that, eventually, put them to death. Sometimes, their funerals are attended by family, relatives and friends and sometimes, these poor addicts are buried by welfare organizations.
Patterns and Consequences of Drug Abuse Problems at workplace
Patterns and Consequences of Drug Abuse Problems at workplace
Haider Ali Meher and Riffat Sadiq
Abstract
Drug abuse problems severely hit the economy of Pakistan that resulted in poor work on the part of employees, incidents, wastage of time and material and loss of productivity. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to examine the patterns and consequences of drug abuse problems at workplaces. For this purpose, 150 drug abusers working in industries, companies and hospital of Karachi city were approached. A questionnaire was used to get information regarding demographics characteristics, their patterns of drug abuse at workplaces and its consequences they and their employers were facing. Results reveal that among 150 drug abusers, most of the abusers (30%) were taking drugs either in the washroom or in the cafeteria of their organizations . 60% preferred to take drugs in official break time, 70% liked sitting with their colleagues. Most of them (28%) were using cannabis, 25.33% were on heroin and 24.67% were poly drug abusers. Smoke was mode of drug intake among 40% abusers. Moreover, 18 drug abusers were using injection and 27.7% of them shared syringes with their working drug partners.
As far as consequences of drug abuse are concerned, 86% abusers accepted to impact total productivity of their organizations, 76% committed serious mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 88% reported slow speed of their work, and 78% reported impaired quality of work. 25.33% remained absent for 3- 4 days in a months except holidays, and 54% did not satisfy their employers. Statistical analysis of the results also reveals that 40% quarreled with their colleagues, and 18% became cause of incident at their workplaces. Before indulging in addiction, 24% abusers were earning 8000 to 10000 but after addiction 20% were earning that amount. Among 150 drug abusers, 16% were earning 10 to 12 thousands but after getting drugs, 4% earning between 10 to 12 thousands per month. Furthermore, 12% abusers were earning more than 20 thousands per month but after addiction only 2% abusers out of total 150 were able to earn more than 20 thousands in a month. The present survey highlights the impact of drug addiction not only on employees but also on the productivity of organizations. Further researches should be conducted to address this serious issue.
Copyright© Drug Free Nation 2011
Haider Ali Meher and Riffat Sadiq
Abstract
Drug abuse problems severely hit the economy of Pakistan that resulted in poor work on the part of employees, incidents, wastage of time and material and loss of productivity. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to examine the patterns and consequences of drug abuse problems at workplaces. For this purpose, 150 drug abusers working in industries, companies and hospital of Karachi city were approached. A questionnaire was used to get information regarding demographics characteristics, their patterns of drug abuse at workplaces and its consequences they and their employers were facing. Results reveal that among 150 drug abusers, most of the abusers (30%) were taking drugs either in the washroom or in the cafeteria of their organizations . 60% preferred to take drugs in official break time, 70% liked sitting with their colleagues. Most of them (28%) were using cannabis, 25.33% were on heroin and 24.67% were poly drug abusers. Smoke was mode of drug intake among 40% abusers. Moreover, 18 drug abusers were using injection and 27.7% of them shared syringes with their working drug partners.
As far as consequences of drug abuse are concerned, 86% abusers accepted to impact total productivity of their organizations, 76% committed serious mistakes, 56% wasted raw material, 88% reported slow speed of their work, and 78% reported impaired quality of work. 25.33% remained absent for 3- 4 days in a months except holidays, and 54% did not satisfy their employers. Statistical analysis of the results also reveals that 40% quarreled with their colleagues, and 18% became cause of incident at their workplaces. Before indulging in addiction, 24% abusers were earning 8000 to 10000 but after addiction 20% were earning that amount. Among 150 drug abusers, 16% were earning 10 to 12 thousands but after getting drugs, 4% earning between 10 to 12 thousands per month. Furthermore, 12% abusers were earning more than 20 thousands per month but after addiction only 2% abusers out of total 150 were able to earn more than 20 thousands in a month. The present survey highlights the impact of drug addiction not only on employees but also on the productivity of organizations. Further researches should be conducted to address this serious issue.
Copyright© Drug Free Nation 2011
Sleepy Nation, Biggest Disaster
Sleepy Nation, Biggest Disaster
By Haider Ali
"Don't kill any one by bullet; just give him a free token of drug (small token of Heroin) on daily basis. He will die himself'', said a street addict.
.
"People are ready to give food to dogs but not to addicts" another street addict told
Now, I take drugs because I have wasted my life. At the age of 50, I am alone, no family, no love, no respect, an addict regrets
Availability of drugs increases the chance of being indulged in addictive behavior. We find people taking drugs sitting in the corner of streets, near the bus stops and under the bridges. We all pass them inadvertently, sometimes show disdain and treat them like slum dogs. They are called by different funny names, teased and mocked by our children. Drugs bring disaster for individual, family and then for whole nation. Unfortunately, being a nation, we are overwhelmed by ignorance, not bother to ask where these drugs are coming from, and how much drugs have severely affected our society.
No place is safe now. Our industries, educational institutes and public places have been affected by this menace. Our youth, future builders of Pakistan, are ruining their lives. Many are addicted to prescribed drugs. Cigarette, gutka (tobacco) and supari (betel nut) are not considered as addiction. Smoking has become a fashion for teenagers. No one is noticing it.
Who is to be blamed? Only our government or we all
I think the whole nation is responsible, our teachers, parents, health professionals, preachers and media also. It is time to take preventive measures to save our future from being trapped by drugs.
But when will be wake up?
By Haider Ali
"Don't kill any one by bullet; just give him a free token of drug (small token of Heroin) on daily basis. He will die himself'', said a street addict.
.
"People are ready to give food to dogs but not to addicts" another street addict told
Now, I take drugs because I have wasted my life. At the age of 50, I am alone, no family, no love, no respect, an addict regrets
Availability of drugs increases the chance of being indulged in addictive behavior. We find people taking drugs sitting in the corner of streets, near the bus stops and under the bridges. We all pass them inadvertently, sometimes show disdain and treat them like slum dogs. They are called by different funny names, teased and mocked by our children. Drugs bring disaster for individual, family and then for whole nation. Unfortunately, being a nation, we are overwhelmed by ignorance, not bother to ask where these drugs are coming from, and how much drugs have severely affected our society.
No place is safe now. Our industries, educational institutes and public places have been affected by this menace. Our youth, future builders of Pakistan, are ruining their lives. Many are addicted to prescribed drugs. Cigarette, gutka (tobacco) and supari (betel nut) are not considered as addiction. Smoking has become a fashion for teenagers. No one is noticing it.
Who is to be blamed? Only our government or we all
I think the whole nation is responsible, our teachers, parents, health professionals, preachers and media also. It is time to take preventive measures to save our future from being trapped by drugs.
But when will be wake up?
Fashion of Smoking and our students
Fashion of Smoking and our students
By Safia Rafiq
Few days back, I saw 3 students smoking cigarette standing near by their tuition academy, holding bags and books in their hands. Their actions and style of smoking reminded me of a celebrity of Indian film industry, Salman Khan, who used to smoke in one of his film that captured the attention of our youth. After that many young boys appeared to be copying his hair style, attire and particularly his style of smoking cigarette.
I thought for a while that their parents, at that time, were satisfied believing that their sons went out for studies and trying hard to make their future bright. But if they saw them holding cigarette in one hand and books on another hand while standing outside their academy, certainly they would die on the spot. Unfortunately, smoking cigarette has become a fashion among school and college going students. It is a great concern for all those parents who are keen to make their children educated and competent persons of their community.
Because habit of smoking slowly and gradually destroys a person's health and its smoke also irritates those who are sitting near by the smoker. A student who smokes is also responsible to pollute the whole educational environment besides destroying his own health. Moreover, smoking habit increases the chance of being tilted toward addiction of drugs. Researches proved that many addicted people were used to be smoking before taking cannabis or heroin. Therefore, Parents, teachers and other well wishers of our students and youth must discourage this bad habit in order to save them from incurable diseases (drug addiction) and as well as to make them able to play their vital role in building a healthy nation of Pakistan.
By Safia Rafiq
Few days back, I saw 3 students smoking cigarette standing near by their tuition academy, holding bags and books in their hands. Their actions and style of smoking reminded me of a celebrity of Indian film industry, Salman Khan, who used to smoke in one of his film that captured the attention of our youth. After that many young boys appeared to be copying his hair style, attire and particularly his style of smoking cigarette.
I thought for a while that their parents, at that time, were satisfied believing that their sons went out for studies and trying hard to make their future bright. But if they saw them holding cigarette in one hand and books on another hand while standing outside their academy, certainly they would die on the spot. Unfortunately, smoking cigarette has become a fashion among school and college going students. It is a great concern for all those parents who are keen to make their children educated and competent persons of their community.
Because habit of smoking slowly and gradually destroys a person's health and its smoke also irritates those who are sitting near by the smoker. A student who smokes is also responsible to pollute the whole educational environment besides destroying his own health. Moreover, smoking habit increases the chance of being tilted toward addiction of drugs. Researches proved that many addicted people were used to be smoking before taking cannabis or heroin. Therefore, Parents, teachers and other well wishers of our students and youth must discourage this bad habit in order to save them from incurable diseases (drug addiction) and as well as to make them able to play their vital role in building a healthy nation of Pakistan.
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