The menace of opiate: The socio-psychological and physiological impacts of opiate on addicts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Opiate addiction is a menace and a matter of concern throughout the world, being one of the most hazardous aspects of personal as well as the societal course of life of an individual. This study describes the socio-psychological and physiological impacts of opiate on addicts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. Data were collected from 100 pure opiate addicts through simple random sampling technique using structured interview schedule. The collected data were statistically analyzed and presented in the form of tables and bar charts, and tested through statistical tools. The rational choice theory of criminal behavior with classical theory of criminality has been utilized as a theoretical model for the study. The results show that the use of opiate has multidimensional impacts upon the addicts' social status, psychological and physiological well-being. The study suggests that there is a need for proper policy in order to implement drug-supply-reduction, drug-demand-reduction and drug-harm-reduction; while, severe punishment should be entailed over the violators and traffickers.