Substance Abuse & Addiction in Developing Nations

Substance abuse and drug addiction in developing nations is not nearly as significant a problem as in developed or wealthy nations, but overall addiction and abuse statistics in less fortunate countries are increasing. Regions in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South America have traditionally manufactured and supplied drugs for wealthier nations. However, this trend is shifting and these drugs are being increasingly consumed in their country of origin. This is particularly distressing considering that while these countries might have an abundant illegal drug trade, they do not have the public health systems or infrastructure to cope with growing numbers of drug addicts. Interestingly enough, use of drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, LSD and morphine have relatively flat-lined in most developing nations, while methamphetamine use has skyrocketed. Additionally, club drugs are becoming more popular as there is a great deal of flexibility regarding the chemical makeup of substances similar to ecstasy. This means that dangerous unknown drugs are being marketed to young people in poorer nations. Reasons for this trend range from boredom and lack of economic or educational opportunities to outright repression under more strenuous regimes. The trouble with the adoption of newer street drugs like meth and ecstasy is that traditional illicit substances such as cocaine and opium often provide a significant amount of income for the areas they are produced in. With the ease of manufacture of club drugs and meth, these regions could literally be put out of business, plunging the area into a more pronounced state of destitution. According to Bethany Bell in her BBC News article titled: Developing World Drug Use 'Up,' synthetic drugs account for more than $65 billion of the worldwide drug trade, and almost none of this money ever finds its way into the public welfare system where communities with substance abusers and addicts need it most. Additionally, because these new drugs can be produced quickly and quietly from readily available materials, law enforcement efforts have been practically stymied in this regard. In many poor nations the police and even the military work with drug manufacturers and traffickers because in effect, these are the only people with any money. Therefore this type of local corruption can sometimes keep a developing region exactly that – a perpetually struggling group of communities. Because law enforcement efforts appear to be failing in most developing nations with drug problems, the most promising weapon with which to battle this issue is education. Lack of schooling in poor regions often leads to an environment that is rife with ignorance concerning what drug abuse and drug addiction will do to a person, and the fact that there is very little help available for these people once addicted. If you're reading this article it's almost certain that you live in a developed nation. Fortunately for you, there is help available if someone you care about is suffering with an addiction or alcoholism. All you have to do is call the number or click on the link below to get free help right now.

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