SADA A Voice against Drug Abuse

Vol 25 Feb 2013

A Tribute to

Professor Abdul Hamid Ghodse

A Publication of Drug Free Nation

WWW.sada.drugfreenation.org

Riffat Sadiq PhD (Fellow) Editor-in-Chief Safia Umar M Phil Associate Editor

Content

1. Alquran

2. Hadith

3. Professor Hamid Ghodse ........Condolences

4. A Man Who Bourn In Centuries

5. Drug Demand Reduction By Grainne Kenny

6. METHADONE By Bill Cameron

7. Shisha Smoking: A Risk to Health by Haider Ali

8. From Sobriety to Success

9. Dream that never come true

10. Addiction to Drug is a Hell

11. Help line

12. Golden Words

1

2

3

4

6

8

10

11

11

11

12

13

1

Al Quran قرآن ال

Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do

not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or

[other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and

there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve

Surah Al Baqra 262

2

Hadith

... Narrated Anas: The alcoholic drink which was spilled was Al-Fadikh. I used to

offer alcoholic drinks to the people at the residence of Abu Talha. Then the

order of prohibiting Alcoholic drinks was revealed, and the Prophet ordered

somebody to announce that: Abu Talha said to me, "Go out and see what this

voice (this announcement ) is." I went out and (on coming back) said, "This is

somebody announcing that alcoholicbeverages have been prohibited." Abu

Talha said to me, "Go and spill it (i.e. the wine)," Then it (alcoholicdrinks) was

seen flowing through the streets of Medina. At that time the wine was Al-

Fadikh. The people said, "Some people (Muslims) were killed (during the battle

of Uhud) while wine was in their stomachs." So Allah revealed: "On those who

believe and do good deeds there is no blame for what they ate (in the past)."

Sahih al-Bukhari

It was narrated that Ibn 'Umar said: "I heard 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with

him, delivering a Khutbah on the Minbar of Al-Madinah and he said: 'O people,

on the day that the prohibition of Khamr was revealed, it was made from five

things: From grapes, dates, honey, wheat and barley. Khamr is that which

overcomes the mind.'" (Sahih) ...Sunan an-Nasa'i

3

4

Abdul Hamid Geodes

A Man Who Born In Centuries

(30 April 1938 – 27 December 2012)

Sudden demise of Professor Abdul Hamid Ghodse is a great shock for everyone who is engaged in making

this beautiful world free from drug misuse and addiction. In fact, we have no substitute of Professor Abdul

Hamid, or we must say that he was a man who born in centuries. Some of his achievements are as follows;

Positions Held At Time Of Death

Professor of Psychiatry and of International Drug Policy, University of London (from 1987)

President of European Collaborating Centres for Addiction Studies (from 1992)

Member of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (from 1992)

Member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Clinical Professors (from 1994)

Director of the Board of International Affairs and Member of the Council, Royal College of

Psychiatrists (from 2000)

Member of the Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health (from 2000)

Non-executive director of the National Patient Safety Agency (from 2001)

Director of the International Centre for Drug Policy, St George's, University of London (since 2003)

Chairman of Higher Degrees in Psychiatry, University of London (since 2003)

Member of the Medical Studies Committee, University of London (since 2003)

Former positions

President of the UN International Narcotics Control Board (1993, 1994, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004,

2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)

Medical Director of the National Clinical Excellence Awards (2006)

5

Others Achievement

Professor Ghodse was Medical Director of the

National Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence

Awards (ACCEA) for England and Wales,

Chairman of the International Health Advisory Board

(IHAB) and the Senior Professional advisor to the

Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

The highest honour of the Royal College of

Psychiatrists

Honorary Fellow of the World Psychiatric

Association (WPA) in 2008

International Fellow of the American Psychiatric

Association (APA).

He published over 350 papers, chapters and a number

of books, of which those on legal and clinical aspects

have become standard works.

Books:

"Addiction at Work" (Gower Publishing),

"International Drug Control in 21st Century" (Ashgate

Publishing),

"Ghodse’s Drugs and Addictive Behavior"(4th

Edition, Cambridge University Press) and

"Substance Abuse Disorders" (Wiley-Blackwell

Publication)

6

Drug Demand Reduction

By Grainne Kenny

President

Europe Against Drug Abuse

An estimated 200 million people, or 5% of the global population aged

between 15-64yrs have used illicit drugs at least once in the past year.

Britain and Ireland have the highest number of drug and alcohol users in

Europe. Cannabis is still the most widely used drug worldwide and in

Italy 10% of the population smoke cannabis on a regular daily basis.

There is a well organised and well financed movement worldwide to

legalise this very dangerous and addictive drug. The main financier

behind this movement is US based but Hungarian born George Soros

In 1989 a group of concerned European citizens (including myself) formed an independent voluntary NGO

whose goal is to reduce the demand for drugs in Europe. We were the first voluntary organisation to address

DEMAND REDUCTION and the first international independent NGO of this kind. Since then EURAD has

grown in strength and numbers and although we still have little or no money our affiliates are drawn from

Africa, Iran, Australia, New Zealand, the US and South America as well of course within Europe. Ours is a

network of committed people who advise, lobby and support each other to attain best practice in

Prevention, Support and Treatment

The thinking behind our group was that customs borders in Europe were to be dismantled in line

with new European policies and the forming of the EU. Therefore drugs would be easier to smuggle and

use would escalate. We also recognised that there were two policies being promoted on fighting the drugs

culture.

The first was the War on Drugs. E.g. Policing, Customs, Crop Eradication and of course prison.

The second proposal was to Legalise/Decriminalise.

The 3rd Way policy is clearly the way forward. Demand Reduction

Drug education for pupils, parents, politicians and others in the wider community with a clear message on

drug use or peddling is necessary. There must be clear consequences for both with counselling and

rehabilitation readily available. The social circumstances must also be addressed. If a kid is hungry, if his

parents are alcoholic or drug addicted or if he or she has been sexually abused or is being bullied in the

community this will need to be put right. Just to say NO to drugs is not enough. NO must mean many

things. We have learned from history that liberal drug policies have a negative effect on society. We must

engage in prevention as well as best practice treatments that eliminate the disease. Strong prevention

methods are the way forward matched with early intervention and immediate and humane treatment.

EURAD’s aim is for a drug free society. We believe this is achievable although realistically sometime in

the future. However, we are morally obliged to aspire to it for the future of all children. When reducing the

demand for drugs or focussing on prevention we have to address the issues around parental drug and

alcohol use. Drugs are illegal because they are dangerous (and addictive), they are not dangerous because

they are illegal. Changing the laws or dismantling the UN Conventions on Drugs will not change that fact.

If society ignores the importance of PREVENTION in this global pandemic then we will be judged harshly

by future generations. The world’s most valuable asset is our young people.

7

8

METHADONE

By Bill Cameron

President

Drug Free Scotland

What is Methadone? Physeptone)

Street name ‘Phy’

Methadone is a long lasting synthetic narcotic/opiate. It is usually given in

syrup or linctus form to heroin addicts to wean them off heroin (detoxify)

and to block withdrawal discomfort, and is then gradually reduced. The

drug is addictive and dangerous if given to persons (especially children)

who are not narcotic dependent. It is of no benefit to persons co abusing

cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, LSD, steroid or benzodiazepines (e.g.

Rohypnol). HOW DOES IT WORK?

Methadone is used as a substitute for heroin. It establishes a type ‘blockade’ which enables the person to

experience less discomfort. Because it is a long-acting drug (24 – 72 hours) it physically stabilises the heroin

dependent. It does not produce a ‘high’ and little tolerance is reported. However, it is extremely dangerous to

take other ‘street’ drugs or alcohol together with methadone. Many addicts die as a result of this practice.

WILL METHADONE CURE MY PROBLEM?

Probably not. Methadone alone is not regarded by experts as treatment for drug addiction. To be effective a

complete rehabilitation programme together with family counselling is necessary. However, it will help to

control dependence problems by establishing improved physical stability but the psychological craving must

be treated. Long term methadone maintenance will not usually motivate an addict to become drug free as it

will sustain the user in his/her state of active addiction. The internationally agreed success rate is only 10%.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I STOP?

Abruptly – depending on the dose, withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. These may take longer to

appear because of methadone’ s longer duration of action. Withdrawal can be very unpleasant; physical

symptoms include a sensation of ‘crawling’ under the skin.

Gradually – this is the advisable method of withdrawal, since physical and emotional changes will be

minimised. Also, if done in a clinical environment the drug reduction will be ‘quality controlled’. It is not

possible for an addict to detox him/herself, as ‘street’ phy is not controlled.

It may take up to four days for a person to settle down completely when starting on a methadone programme.

However, the effects of half a dose will last for up to 24 hours compared to only 3-4 hours for half a dose of

heroin. If you have difficulty sleeping, it has been suggested as helpful to take it late at night.

9

If you take extra opiates whilst on methadone your tolerance will be temporarily increased. Use of

sedatives or stimulants or alcohol may make you feel more uncomfortable because your nervous system will

not have a chance to settle down.

MORE ABOUT METHADONE:

1. Pregnant women using methadone should seek further medical assistance regarding their condition.

2. Babies born to mothers using methadone are very distresses and show withdrawal symptoms which

include:

Excessive restlessness.

Shrill crying

Sleeplessness

Constant sucking

Diarrhoea

Yawning

Sneezing

In severe cases, convulsions which can be fatal.

Insurance

Many insurance companies will not insure people who use methadone. Co- abuse of Rohypnol as a result of

irresponsible prescribing is causing serious problems in Dublin for treatment specialists.

WARNING:

Methadone is a poison with a depressing effect on the respiratory system which is magnified and very

dangerous when used in combination with other drugs.

Because it does not provides the instant high of heroin, many addicts try to get a ‘buzz’ by using it

with other drugs e.g. rohypnol or alcohol, without realising its potentially lethal effects on breathing.

Overdose can result in Coma and Death.

New advances in treatment using drugs with no potential for abuse due to their non-addictive nature

are emerging. Lofexidine is an example (ref: National Drug Treatment Centre, Trinity Court, Dublin,

Ireland).

Note: In Sweden it is against the law to consume an illegal drug. Police have the power to screen urine.

10

Shisha Smoking: A Risk to Health

By Haider Ali

Shisha is being used as a fashion. Shisha bar has been formally opened.

Now, restaurants are serving shisha with other food items. Shisha is also

being used in family gathering, marriage ceremony and other get-together.

More than 100 million people worldwide found to be smoking shisha daily.

It is a common practice in Eastern Countries like; Turkey, India, Pakistan,

Bangladesh, and China. In Pakistan, Shisha is known as Hukka. Other

names of Shisha are Water Pipe or Narghile.

Shisha is different from traditional Hukka in the sense that; plain tobacco is

mixed with certain flavors and aromatic substances. Shisha smoking is

believed to be less dangerous than cigarette by people. Facts are contrary to

that belief. Shisha is also dangerous for health as other modes of drugs are;

Lung Cancer,

Heart problems

Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

Emphysema,

low birth weight

precipitation of Asthma attacks

infectious diseases resulting from pipe sharing

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Thus, stop smoking shisha from today, if you want to remain healthy

Shisha Smoking: A Risk to Health

By Haider Ali

Shisha is being used as a fashion. Shisha bar has been formally opened. Now,

restaurants are serving shisha with other food items. Shisha is also being used in family

gathering, marriage ceremony and other get-together. More than 100 million people worldwide

found to be smoking shisha daily. It is a common practice in Eastern Countries like; Turkey,

India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China. In Pakistan, Shisha is known as Hukka. Other names of

Shisha are Water Pipe or Narghile.

Shisha is different from traditional Hukka in the sense that; plain tobacco is mixed with

certain flavors and aromatic substances. Shisha smoking is believed to be less dangerous than

cigarette by people. Facts are contrary to that belief. Shisha is also dangerous for health as other

modes of drugs are;

11

Dream That Never Come True

My husband was a hardworking man. He wanted to make our son a doctor. My only son was a

brilliant student. He always got distinctions in academics. He was a social kind of person, that’s

why; his social circle was very large. After my husband’s death, entire responsibility was on my

shoulders.

Once, he went to Hyderabad to attend a party along with his friends. I permitted him to go

there. He used alcohol in that party. He became alcoholic and then shifted to other drugs.

Now, he is a chronic drug addicts. He destroyed family finance. I am working in old age to run

my kitchen.

Addiction to Drug is a Hell

All the time, I used to be sitting with drug addicts. I was diagnosed with HIV positive because

of being injection users. I used to share syringes with other drug addicts. When, it was

disclosed to my family, my sister-in-law forced my brother to expel me from home. Therefore,

I had to leave my home and family.

I was provided medicine from a social worker for three years. They too, neglected me when

their project was over. I am getting weak day by day. Now, I am on the mercy of Allah. I want

to say to all that addiction to drug is a hell in this world. Do not ruin your own life. No one will

care you, if you do not care of yourself.

From Sobriety to Success

Recovering from drug abuse problems seemed impossible to me. I promised many times

to quite drugs but did not. I got treatment for eight times but relapsed. I felt helpless and

had suicidal thoughts at that time. I became a street addict. Once, a social worker convinced

me to get treatment. Everything is possible. He, himself, had been addict for 25 years. I

decided to be admitted for treatment once again.

It took me three months to be recovered. Then I joined the same treatment center as a

volunteer. I spent one year over there, working on the mission to take drug abusers back to

life from swamp of addiction. Now, I have family, money, respect etc.

12

Helpline

Q1. My brother came back to home from hospital after one and a half month. He was

addicted to cannabis and alcohol. He is misbehaving with family. My mother is widow. My

entire family is disturbed. Please guide us Iqra – Karachi

A: Dear Iqra! You did not mention that for how long your brother had been addicted to

cannabis. Longer the period of drug abuse, the greater effort is needed to be cured. In one

and a half month, your brother just learned to detoxify his body from drugs. Drug destroys

skills of users along with their physical health. Craving for drugs leads to irritation, anger

and other psychological issues. Initially, he will behave badly but with the passage of time,

everything will be okay. Your brother still needs counseling sessions to overcome emotional

and behavioral problems. Besides, send him to attend weekly meetings of Narcotic

Anonymous (NA) held in treatment and rehabilitation centers. At this stage, your family has to

bear all this. You keep in touch with the treatment center where he was admitted. Take

guideline from the professionals and recovering counselor to handle your brother. Follow up

is an essential part of treatment process.

13

Golden Words My Last Pain © Monica Joyce

Another spill down the drain,

one more pill to drown my pain.

Is it a cover up or a disguise

I don't think I'll ever stop and realize.

More hurt and dissatisfying tears.

One more bad picture, then I face my fears.

I'll always be scared deep down inside

But yet I still continue to deny.

I feel there is no one to turn to in my time of need.

So I light up a big one, and smoke some weed.

To me, my life is just one big joke.

A life of heroine, alcohol, not to mention coke.

These are substitutes to make me fly.

I feel I have nothing to worry about when I am high.

Some of the drugs hit so fast

Then I say to myself, "this will be the last".

But more pain and anger builds up in my heart.

I know what I need to numb my parts.

Suddenly I feel that high again.

I don't care who I hurt or the sin within.

I start thinking I just want to die.

There is no one who cares or questions why?

I decide to take that last shot once more.

Then I am gone, there is nothing to live for.

Source: www.FamilyFriendPoems.com

.

A Publication of Drug Free Nation

WWW.sada.drugfreenation.org