Drugs problem in Goa ... sad
I love Goa ... i think this is not good .. :-(
The problem of drugs is far more severe in north Goa, particularly along the two coastal talukas of Bardez and Tiswadi.”
This is as per observations made by a Delhi-based NGO Sharan, which conducted a rapid assessment survey on drug use in Goa. The study was conducted in association with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).
Quoting a police inspector, Sharan has stated that drug use in north Goa, "was definitely increasing as tourists in the north hire private houses and stay for longer periods of time, than in the south.”
Though the survey may not give an accurate estimate of the extent of drug use in different parts of Goa, it has made it obvious that the problem is far more severe in north Goa.
Conducted during March and June 2006, the survey was designed to provide useful inputs to policy makers and health officials and to address health issues related to drug use in Goa.
Of the 100 drug users interviewed, 97 were male. The three women interviewed were aged around 30 and resided along the north Goa coastal belt. Two were graduates and got into drugs due to their husbands. One took to the habit because she wanted to be ‘accepted’ by society.
Interestingly, of the 100 drug users interviewed, a clear majority of 67 were Christians. Hindus were 27 in number, Muslims were three and non-believers, two. The report however states that the figures do not reflect the proportion of these communities in the general population.
Around 60 per cent of those interviewed were on heroin. Other drugs used included cocaine, fortwin, brown sugar, cannabis, cocaine, LSD and ecstasy.
Drug users were also found to be engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. 75 of them had admitted to having sex with someone other than their spouse. These included sex workers, girlfriends, neighbours and tourists. Sixty four respondents had had sex with commercial sex workers.
All were aware of HIV/AIDS and knew that the virus could be transmitted through unsafe sex and unsterilised needles and syringes. Nine had tested for HIV and knew their status.
Eighty six reported loss of body weight, 30 had jaundice, 15 had cough for more than 3 weeks, 14 reported symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and 30 suffered from abscesses.
The report suggested that prevention measures could be imparted in academic institutions.
Moreover, since most drug users are linked to the tourist industry, it would be ideal to involve hotels, and shacks in creating awareness about the menace, the report has recommended.
The problem of drugs is far more severe in north Goa, particularly along the two coastal talukas of Bardez and Tiswadi.”
This is as per observations made by a Delhi-based NGO Sharan, which conducted a rapid assessment survey on drug use in Goa. The study was conducted in association with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).
Quoting a police inspector, Sharan has stated that drug use in north Goa, "was definitely increasing as tourists in the north hire private houses and stay for longer periods of time, than in the south.”
Though the survey may not give an accurate estimate of the extent of drug use in different parts of Goa, it has made it obvious that the problem is far more severe in north Goa.
Conducted during March and June 2006, the survey was designed to provide useful inputs to policy makers and health officials and to address health issues related to drug use in Goa.
Of the 100 drug users interviewed, 97 were male. The three women interviewed were aged around 30 and resided along the north Goa coastal belt. Two were graduates and got into drugs due to their husbands. One took to the habit because she wanted to be ‘accepted’ by society.
Interestingly, of the 100 drug users interviewed, a clear majority of 67 were Christians. Hindus were 27 in number, Muslims were three and non-believers, two. The report however states that the figures do not reflect the proportion of these communities in the general population.
Around 60 per cent of those interviewed were on heroin. Other drugs used included cocaine, fortwin, brown sugar, cannabis, cocaine, LSD and ecstasy.
Drug users were also found to be engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. 75 of them had admitted to having sex with someone other than their spouse. These included sex workers, girlfriends, neighbours and tourists. Sixty four respondents had had sex with commercial sex workers.
All were aware of HIV/AIDS and knew that the virus could be transmitted through unsafe sex and unsterilised needles and syringes. Nine had tested for HIV and knew their status.
Eighty six reported loss of body weight, 30 had jaundice, 15 had cough for more than 3 weeks, 14 reported symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases and 30 suffered from abscesses.
The report suggested that prevention measures could be imparted in academic institutions.
Moreover, since most drug users are linked to the tourist industry, it would be ideal to involve hotels, and shacks in creating awareness about the menace, the report has recommended.
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