Drug abuse is gradually emerging as a formidable problem in Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province.
Although there is no exact official data on the number of substance users in the district, the situation is alarming if the number of people arrested on charge of drug abuse, smuggling and peddling, and those visiting the drug rehabilitation centers run by different organizations were taken into account.
Even women and children are at risk of this growing social problem. As many as 18 children who were caught up in this bad habit were rescued six months back.
A local organization working for the prevention of drug abuse said that it rescued 17 children who were into substance abuse from the streets only five days back. Manager of the Bhairab Youth Empowerment Center, Lalit Bhattarai said that they had rescued 18 children who were into drug abuse six months back and again found 17 such children in the streets five days ago whom they rescued.
He complained that these children are neglected whether by their families or organizations or the local bodies.
Bhattarai has urged the bodies concerned to pay attention for the proper rehabilitation of such children as it is found that they take to petty crimes like stealing and pick-pocketing if not properly rehabilitated.
He shared that his organization aims to rehabilitate as well as provide counseling services to 450 drug abusers this year.
Although exact figures are not available regarding the number of drug abusers in the district, it is estimated that there are 600 people taking hard drugs in Surkhet district. Bhattarai said this estimate is from the number of people coming to his organization seeking counseling services.
He added that the number of female drug users is also increasing of late. According to him there are 12 women drug users.
Bhattarai shared this information in the interaction program organized by his organization here on Monday.
