Written by: Ali Sayed Hussain Sayed Zahid Al-Moosawi

Recently, the scourge of drugs became one of the most prominent challenges that is facing the Kuwaiti society. Amid the increasing cases of drug abuse among young people, and the frightening high crime rates caused by the prevalence of fights, murders and attempted murders in the streets and compounds, and high rates of suicide, we believe that it is our duty to talk about this scourge which has become a matter of concern for every parent, but rather has become a threat to the stability of Kuwaiti society as a whole.

While searching among different sources to discover the real reasons behind the spread of this scourge, I was shocked by an official report published in Kuwaiti newspapers in late 2020 confirming that 65% of crimes that occur inside Kuwait are related to the sale, abuse or promotion of these toxins and that the total number of drug suspects from 2010 until 2020, reached around 25,000 suspects. This indicates the inadequacy of deterrent laws for drug dealers and promoters, which are no longer sufficient to deter this deviant group from destroying the society.

Nowadays, we are in the era of technology and fast development, and with the emergence of social media, which has become an indispensable alternative to the real society. The promoters of this scourge and poisons are attracting the new generation of both sexes through social media to make them fall into the traps of drugs. The emergence of new types of poor quality-drugs with low prices has contributed to a fast spread of drugs among adolescents and young adults. Unfortunately, these poor-quality types of drugs cause devastating health risks which can lead to death.

This phenomenon calls for anxiety in Kuwait. Its danger lies in targeting the youth cohort which reflects negatively on the economic and social development in all respects. As well, it threatens the stability and the security of the society. Drugs also affect the young generation's productivity, and reduce their vitality in the community and therefore decrease the average age. However, this phenomenon of drug abuse and dealing otherwise contributes to the high rate of crime and suicide among young generation and adolescents.

There are many solutions and advices that we can talk about briefly, that can help in reducing the rates of drug abuse and dealers, which we miss in Kuwait but possible to implement compared to the current capabilities. First, enforcing the penalties for drug cases, and increasing the safety campaigns carried out by the General Administration of Drug Control against drug smugglers, promoters and dealers, along with arresting them and taking all the security measures against them.

Second - enacting the parental control not only for children and adolescents, but also for young adults, as they need constant attention and observation from their family. The family's ability to extrapolate the early signs of drug addiction helps provide faster treatment, and lower chances of relapse.

Third, intensifying the awareness campaigns carried out by the government or private sectors which play a major role in reducing the rate of drug addiction among youth cohort. These campaigns shed light on the short- and long-term damages of drugs, and draw on influencers who can have a positive impact on the youth.

Fourth - increasing sports and entertainment activities in clubs and theaters to take advantage of young generation's free time through sports, educational and entertainment competitions, and to fill their free time properly. Considering the need to increase the entertainment sites and youth sports clubs, and to involve young people in voluntary activities which can also help exploit their energy.