From brown sugar to pills, Karnali faces a changing addiction problem

The nature of drug abuse in Nepal’s remote Karnali province is evolving, with a concerning rise in the misuse of prescription medicines. Traditionally, substances like heroin, brown sugar, hashish, and cannabis were the primary concerns for authorities. However, young people are increasingly turning to easily available pharmaceutical drugs, including sedatives, painkillers, and epilepsy medications, as a new source of addiction.

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Malla told police that he used the drugs because they made him feel “drowsy and intoxicated”.

Police and health officials report that the abuse of medicines such as norethisterone, clozem, nitrazepam, tramadol, and buprenorphine is escalating. Many young individuals who cannot afford illegal drugs are opting for prescription medicines because they are cheaper and more accessible. This trend presents a significant challenge, as these substances are legally manufactured for medical purposes but can lead to dependency when consumed without proper medical guidance.

Recent arrests highlight the growing problem. The Mugu District Police Office apprehended a 22-year-old man with medicines used to delay menstruation and epilepsy treatment drugs, who admitted to consuming them for their drowsy and intoxicating effects. Similarly, the Surkhet District Police Office arrested two individuals with a large quantity of nitrazepam tablets. Police attribute this rise to a combination of social and economic factors, including poverty, unemployment, psychological stress, and the easy availability of medicines.

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Drug abuse has emerged as a new challenge for peace and security in Karnali.

Medical professionals confirm the risks associated with misusing these drugs. While medications like nitrazepam and tramadol have legitimate uses for insomnia and severe pain, respectively, excessive consumption can impair brain function and lead to dependency. Obtaining these medicines through various pretexts from hospitals and pharmacies is becoming more common, posing a serious threat to peace and security in the region.

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Recently, we have seen cases where people obtain these medicines from hospitals and pharmacies under various pretexts.