-criminal or anti-social behaviour occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug, and long-term personality changes in individuals may also occur. In addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, the use of some drugs may also lead to criminal penalties, although these vary widely depending on the local jurisdiction.
Drugs most often associated with this term include: alcohol, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, methaqualone, and opioids.
Tanzania has made great strides in the fight and control of drug trafficking and use in the past 60 years of independence that led to the arrest of 45,784 suspects.
The country has also managed to improve provision of services to drug addicts including establishment of centres to accommodate the victims and rehabilitation centres.
The involvement of women in the trade clearly signals that war on drugs is a continuing battle. The magnitude of the illicit substance is indeed worrying.
Certainly, illicit drug abuse tears the fabric of any decent society. Studies have shown that the majority of those involved in illicit drug abuse are the youths. And youths are the future leaders of the country. Aside from being the most active portion in the country's population, they also play a key role in any meaningful development.
Drug use is harmful to our health, especially cocaine and heroin, which can be lethal.
We have seen a recent surge in crime rate in the country as a result of illicit drug abuse by youngsters.
There exists factors that make many youngsters vulnerable to drug addiction. But that shouldn't be a reason for one to engage into drug abuse. In every situation, there is a way to get out of such circumstances.
Another worrying issue is the rise in the number of our young girls engaged in illicit drug abuse. Most of them are influenced by lifestyle making rounds of social media sites and other online media.
It is high time parents monitored the activities of their children and the type of friends they mingle with. A lot more is needed through career guidance and counseling. Through this we can change the mindset and perception of many as regards drug use.
We all have a role to play in making Tanzania a drug free nation. So each one, teach one.
priority of any addict is to anaesthetize the pain of living to ease the passage of day with some purchased relief.
The development of the fight and control of drug trafficking followed the efforts by the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) which was officially established in February 2017 taking over from the Drug Control Commission.
Since its establishment in 2017, DCEA in collaboration with other security organs managed to arrest a total of 45,784 suspects, 356,563kilograms of illicit drugs as well as 628.75 acres of cannabis farms.
Tanzania is estimated to have about 500,000 heroin users, something which shows how drug abuse was still a major challenge in the country.
We ought to support the war against drug abuse by unearthing all people who are behind the dirty business including those who traffic the product.
Tanzanians should cooperate with DCEA especially by reporting all people who engage in the business. In this war, we should not fear anyone, we should work tirelessly, day and night to achieve the goal.
Dar es Salaam Region has four clinics that have been established to provide services to drug addicts. The country has a total of 11 such clinics.
The number of drug addicts receiving medical services at the centres had reached 10,600, something that makes some facilities to be overwhelmed. It is therefore important that every region has a clinic to serve the drug addicts.
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