Is there a linkage between drug addiction and crimes? Drug addiction isn’t just a personal issue; it ripples through society, affecting everything from public health to crime rates. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing effective interventions. Addressing the societal impact of drug addiction requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes education, prevention, accessible treatment, and strong support systems. By tackling the root causes and offering compassionate support, we can help build a healthier society.
Let’s explore how drug addiction shapes the world around us by delving into the two case studies. The following cases illustrate how drug addiction can lead not only to crimes but also to societal degradation.
Ice Addiction Fuels Fatal Family Feud: The Killing of Dr. Shahid Siddique
On 6 August, the Organised Crime Unit of Lahore police reported murder of Dr Shahid Siddique, a founding member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was orchestrated by his son, Abdul Qayyum, motivated by financial disputes and personal grievances.
The investigation further revealed that Qayyum, son of Dr Shahid Siddique, had a history of substance abuse, particularly involving ice (crystal methamphetamine). It was revealed by the authorities that he was also involved in a burglary at his own home a few months prior.
Dr Siddique had urged his son to abandon his harmful habits and work within the family business, but Qayyum was unwilling to comply. This illustrates how drug addiction can culminate in criminal activities.
Mental Illness and Drug Abuse: A Deadly Cocktail in the Noor Mukadam Case
On 20 July 2021, Noor Mukadam was murdered at a house in an upscale neighborhood, Sector F-7/4, of Islamabad. Noor was held hostage for two days, tortured with a knuckleduster, then decapitated with a knife. Noor was raped before being murdered.
Furthermore, in the case of Noor Mukadam’s murder, it was revealed the murderer Zahir was a chronic patient of mental disorder/schizoaffective disorder due to drug psychosis and the same was the position at the time of his arrest. Moreover, he had a major problem with drug usage and was addicted to drugs and alcohol apart from mental difficulties. This incident displays the heinous impacts of drug addiction.
Drug Addiction: The Societal Impact
These two cases are not isolated incidents; they are symptomatic of a larger societal problem. Drug addiction is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the individual. It can lead to increased crime rates, economic burdens, and a decline in public health. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding addiction often prevents individuals from seeking help, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
Hence, these tragic incidents not only highlight the devastating impact of drug addiction on human behaviour, they further illustrate that there is a dire need to address this issue and demand attention.
This necessitates that we address addiction as a serious societal issue, not just a personal one. Primarily because drug addiction is a catalyst for a host of social ills. When individuals become ensnared in addiction, they often turn to crime to fund their habit, leading to increased property crime, theft, and violence. The economic burden of addiction on individuals, families, and society as a whole is immense, draining resources that could be allocated to education, healthcare, and other essential services. Furthermore, addiction can lead to the breakdown of families, as relationships are strained and trust is eroded as reflected from the case studies as well.
In addition, beyond the individual and familial impacts, drug addiction has far-reaching consequences for communities. Increased crime rates can create a climate of fear and insecurity, deterring investment and hindering economic development. The spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis C, is often associated with drug use, placing an additional burden on public health systems.
Therefore, by investing in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, we can protect our communities from the horrors that unchecked substance abuse can unleash. Let’s stand together and put an end to this deadly cycle.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of the South Asia Times.
Mishaal Malik, presently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), serves as a Research Associate at South Asia Times (SAT). Mishaal demonstrates a commitment to scholarly inquiry, particularly focusing on research related to South Asia and East Asia. She can be reached on X, formerly Twitter at @MishaalMalik502.
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