On the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, celebrated every year on June 26th, we are reminded of the far-reaching impacts of the global drug problem. This year’s theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,” emphasizes the need for evidence-based strategies to mitigate the harms of drug use. Goa, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, is now facing a growing challenge with drug abuse.
North Goa and South Goa have been recognized as highly vulnerable and impacted districts, listed among the 272 most affected areas by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and various surveys from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The drug issue in Goa is intensifying, expanding from the coastal regions into the hinterland.
The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, has been in effect since 2018 and will continue until 2025.
This multi-pronged strategy aims to counteract the harmful effects of drug abuse through awareness programs in educational institutions, community-led interactions, and interventions for vulnerable youngsters. Workshops involving parents, capacity building of service providers, and providing treatment facilities are also key components of the plan. However, Goa’s Directorate of Social Welfare has failed to utilize the resources allotted for drug demand reduction. The state also missed a crucial opportunity to capitalise on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan campaign, which ran from August 2020 to March 2021.
The scattered drug demand reduction efforts by Goa Police’s Anti-Narcotic Cell and other entities have been limited to lectures or talks in schools and poorly resourced competitions, failing to create a significant impact. There is a dire need for sustained, evidence-based programs aligned with the UNODC/WHO International Standards on Drug Use Prevention. Effective prevention strategies must work with families, schools, and communities to ensure that children and youth, especially the most marginalized and poor, grow up healthy and safe into adulthood and old age.
This collective failure by state agencies is unacceptable, especially as the drug abuse situation in Goa worsens. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the efforts of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR). In collaboration with the Directorate of Education and supported by the Addiction Treatment Facility in North Goa and South Goa, Goa Dental College and Hospital, and the National Institute of Social Defense, New Delhi, the GSCPCR has been proactive in constituting anti-drug clubs, known as Prahari Clubs, in all educational institutions, high schools, and higher secondary schools across Goa. By training nodal teachers and student leaders of these clubs, the GSCPCR aims to create a significant student-led movement for drug demand reduction.
The establishment of these Prahari Clubs represents a substantial ecosystem that requires investment. To maximize the potential of these clubs, the state needs to create a seed funding initiative specifically for Prahari Clubs.
This seed funding would support the innovative ideas and engagement strategies proposed by student leaders, empowering them to take ownership of prevention efforts. Student-led interventions can be a game-changer in drug prevention. Can the government capitalize on this effort? Expanding this initiative could lead to significant long-term benefits. For every rupee spent on prevention, at least ten can be saved in future health, social, and crime costs.
The 2024 World Drug Day campaign recognizes that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use. This year’s theme calls for raising awareness about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of evidence-based prevention strategies, advocating for greater investment in prevention efforts by governments, policymakers, and law enforcement professionals, and empowering communities to implement these initiatives.
Increased investment in evidence-based prevention is crucial. The GSCPCR’s efforts with the Prahari Clubs are a commendable step forward, but they need more support and resources to maximize their impact. The government and other stakeholders must recognize the value of these initiatives and invest accordingly. The evidence is clear: investing in prevention will yield significant long-term benefits, saving future health, social, and crime costs.
Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between stakeholders is essential to enhance evidence-based prevention practices and policies. Promoting a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and innovation will help create effective drug prevention programs. Engaging communities in designing and implementing these programs ensures that they are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each community. This collaborative approach allows for the integration of local insights and culturally relevant practices, making prevention efforts more effective and sustainable.
Empowering youth is also critical. Providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change in their communities will amplify their voices in the conversation on drug prevention. Youth-led initiatives, such as the Prahari Clubs, demonstrate the potential of student-led movements in creating a significant impact on drug demand reduction.
When young people are actively involved in prevention efforts, they can influence their peers and foster a culture of healthy living that can last for generations. Investing in the leadership capabilities of young people not only addresses the current challenges of drug abuse but also builds a resilient and proactive community for the future.
Moreover, sustained public awareness campaigns are needed to keep the conversation about drug prevention alive. These campaigns should use various media platforms to reach a broad audience, emphasizing the importance of prevention and the tangible benefits it brings. Real-life stories of recovery and the positive impacts of prevention programs can inspire others to join the cause and support these efforts.
In conclusion, the time to act is now. Goa’s battle against drug abuse requires a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that prioritizes prevention. By investing in prevention strategies and supporting initiatives like the Prahari Clubs, we can create a healthier, safer future for our children and communities. Let us use this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of prevention and the need for collective efforts to combat the drug problem. Together, guided by the principles of science, compassion, and solidarity, we can make a difference and move towards a drug-free Goa.
(Peter F Borges is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the D.D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies)