Dr. Win Kyaw Thu, from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse told Mon News Agency, that illicit drug use by young boys is becoming more common.
“We have seen young people using drugs. The youngest drug users are male students from Grade 5 and 6 aged from 10 to 12-years old. Many of these children have left school with a litter education. When they are older and have a family, their marriage is broken. There are a lot of people who are having a financial struggle,” said Dr. Win Kyaw Thu.
A school counselor committee member from one villager reported that teachers in some villages are afraid of young students who do drugs.
The individual who wished to remain anonymous, added “Teachers were informed about a student who smokes or does drugs. The teachers have been frightened of some students from higher grades. Then, those teachers would report the issue to us.”
More than 40 percent of young people aged 12 to 20+ years of age have been using drugs, reported the Mon State Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Association Chair, U Zaw Moe Aung at a “Youth Against Drugs Forum” held on December 5th last year.
In Mon State, an amphetamine tablet referred to locally as Ya Ba, is widely used. Kratom leaves are ranked as the second most commonly used drug amongst youth. These drugs are readily available and it has been noted that Kratom leaf has traditional uses.
Civil society and community based organizations are working to educate youth about the dangers of recreational drug use. They have pointed to long-term disadvantages in the economy, education, family, and social fabric that often accompany illicit drug use and trafficking.
