Drug addiction stands today as one of the most urgent public health challenges worldwide. In Bangladesh, the problem is especially dire. With its location between major drug-producing regions, the country is both a transit hub and a growing consumer base for substances. Over 7.5 million Bangladeshis, mostly aged 18 to 30, are currently engaged in illegal drug use.
From urban streets to rural villages, drug use is spreading at an alarming rate, fuelled by curiosity, peer pressure, emotional stress, and easy access to narcotics. The annual International Day Against Drug Abuse and IllicitTrafficking, observed on June 26, stands as a global reminder that this battle can only be won through awareness, compassion, and scientific intervention. The 2025 campaign theme ‘Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All!’ – underscores this mission.
ADDICTION IS A DISEASE, NOT A CRIME
Addiction is not a sign of weakness or immorality, it is a recognised mental health disorder. Clinically known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), it is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and involves the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences.
Signs of drug addiction include behavioural changes like aggression, irritability, and withdrawal, physical symptoms such as sleeplessness and weight loss, and financial issues often accompanied by secrecy and risk-taking behaviour.
THE IMPACT IS BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL
Drug addiction doesn’t affect just the person who abuses it. It deeply harms families, burdens healthcare systems, contributes to crime, and weakens the social fabric. Yet those struggling with addiction are often judged or criminalised instead of being helped. Society tends to overlook the underlying causes – mental illness, trauma, or manipulation by drug networks.
It is crucial to understand that a person suffering from drug addiction is a victim, not a criminal. And like any illness, this condition demands scientific treatment, not punishment.
EARLY INTERVENTION IS CRUCIAL
One of the most dangerous myths is believing that drug addiction will go away on its own; methods like isolation, marriage, or a change of location are not solutions, and denial only delays recovery.
Drug addiction is a serious and chronic mental health disorder. It needs to be addressed directly and urgently. The earlier the intervention, the better the chance of recovery.
Effective treatment for addiction is scientific and grounded in the biopsychosocial model, which recognizes that substance use disorders are shaped by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This model provides a holistic understanding of addiction and emphasises that recovery must also be multifaceted – addressing both the individual and their environment.
In Bangladesh, treatment for drug addiction is available through government-run centres, government hospitals, and private rehabilitation facilities, with care provided by a trained professional team including psychiatrists, addiction specialists, psychologists, counselors, and clinical social workers. These structured programs typically include detoxification, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group and family counselling, and relapse prevention strategies – all designed to support long-term recovery and help individuals successfully reintegrate into society.
Most importantly, recovery is possible. With timely intervention, the right treatment, and strong social support, individuals struggling with addiction can rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
PREVENTION IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Prevention must be the foundation of our fight against drug abuse. And this responsibility lies with individuals, families, schools, communities, and the nation.
Prevention is a shared responsibility, requiring individuals to build self-confidence and resistance through healthy activities, families to provide supportive environments and education, and educational institutions and society to raise public understanding and awareness about drug effects.
FROM STIGMA TO SUPPORT
In many cases, families and society treat drug users as criminals. But drug addiction is not a crime – it is a mental health condition. An addicted youth needs medical help, not isolation or punishment. Just as we rush an accident victim to the hospital, we must do the same for someone suffering from addiction.
Bangladesh’s Department of Narcotics Control has launched an ‘Integrated Action Plan’ to tackle the issue. But implementation is key. We must focus on consistent policy execution, grassroots efforts, and long-term rehabilitation support. Addiction is a relapsing condition meaning people can fall back into it. So, treatment must be followed by social reintegration, lifestyle changes, community support, and ongoing care.
A CALL TO UNITE
Let us unite for a cause. Drug addiction is not a character flaw – it is a treatable illness. Through empathy, education, and coordinated action, we can build a society where recovery is possible, and dignity is preserved.
Let us stand together- families, schools, professionals, communities, and policymakers to break the chains of addiction. Together, we can create a future where hope replaces despair, and every person has the chance to live free from the grip of drugs.