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| Crackdown on Drugs and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala |
Current Story!Kerala has been witnessing a growing campaign against drug abuse among school children and adults. In recent days, intensified search operations and arrests have led to the seizure of synthetic drugs and marijuana from peddlers and users. While these measures are certainly creating awareness among parents and communities about the rise in drug usage, they do not provide a lasting solution.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse requires a comprehensive, long-term policy approach that goes beyond sporadic crackdowns. It demands consistent campaigns, regular monitoring, and effective tracking mechanisms. Additionally, Kerala can learn from best practices implemented in other parts of the world to develop a sustainable and balanced strategy.
Learning from Global Practices
Several European cities have taken innovative approaches to managing drug use, recognizing that rigid prohibition may not always yield the desired outcomes. Here are a few best practices that Kerala could consider:
Decriminalization and Regulation: In Portugal, personal drug use is decriminalized, focusing on health interventions rather than punishment. This has significantly reduced overdose rates and drug-related deaths.
Safe Consumption Spaces: Cities like Amsterdam have designated safe spaces for drug use where medical supervision is provided. This reduces the risk of overdose and allows for health monitoring.
Legalization of Cannabis: Countries like the Netherlands and certain states in the US have legalized cannabis in controlled environments, reducing the illicit trade and ensuring quality control. ( This has to be taken at the national level). I hope Modi Ji will do something groundbreaking by allowing a new policy about legalizing cannabis ( small quantity) and so forth.
Public Awareness Campaigns: In Switzerland, extensive educational programs target young people to inform them about the risks of drug use. This approach empowers individuals to make informed decisions.
Social Rehabilitation Programs: Countries like Germany emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, offering support to addicts to reintegrate into society rather than imprisoning them.
Rethinking Kerala’s Liquor Policy
An often-overlooked aspect of Kerala’s growing drug problem is its stringent liquor policy. While well-intentioned, this policy has inadvertently contributed to the rise of drug usage.
The “Forbidden Fruit” Effect
A peculiar phenomenon observed in Kerala is the scarcity mindset triggered by liquor restrictions, especially on the first of every month when liquor sales are prohibited. This scarcity mindset leads to excessive buying and consumption before the ban, fueling a culture of binge drinking. The psychological response to this prohibition may also push people, particularly those from lower economic backgrounds, towards drugs as an alternative.
Bar Timings and Accessibility
Another problematic aspect is the early shutdown of bars. Restricting bar timings to early hours not only reduces responsible social drinking but also drives people to unregulated spaces where drugs are easier to access. Allowing bars to remain open until 11 PM on weekdays and 12:30 AM on weekends could help foster responsible drinking while providing a safer environment for socialization.
Encouraging Microbreweries and Pubs
To shift the drinking culture from binge drinking to responsible social consumption, Kerala should encourage the establishment of microbreweries and pubs, particularly in urban centers like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Cities like Bengaluru have seen positive outcomes by promoting craft beer culture, where patrons drink in moderation and in safe settings. Liberalizing liquor licensing could bring in capital investment and promote a healthier social drinking environment.
Addressing the Bigger Picture
Rather than simply cracking down on drugs, it is essential to consider a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of substance abuse. Restrictive liquor policies can paradoxically push people toward drugs, as substances like synthetic drugs and marijuana are easier to transport, conceal, and consume compared to alcohol.
By adopting liberal liquor policies, Kerala can:
- Reduce the forbidden fruit effect by making alcohol available responsibly.
- Encourage social drinking in controlled environments rather than secretive drug use.
- Create employment and revenue through breweries and pubs.
- Decrease the stigma associated with moderate drinking, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Final Take
The ongoing anti-drug campaign is undoubtedly raising awareness, but without addressing underlying socio-cultural factors, it may not yield long-term results. Kerala’s strict liquor policies might be inadvertently fostering the rise of drug use. Adopting a more liberal approach, drawing lessons from global practices, and promoting responsible drinking environments can help curb the rampant rise of drug use while providing safe and socially accepted alternatives.
NGO's and Organizations which offer Counselling and Campaign Against Drugs in Kerala
1. SAJEEVAM - ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN
