Iraq is currently facing new challenges due to the phenomenon of drug proliferation, particularly "Crystal," which threatens the social fabric and individual identity. This situation has evolved since the opening of borders in 2003 and the control of influential parties over border crossings.
"Crystal" is considered one of the most dangerous types of "amphetamine" ever, as it unleashes the animalistic side of humans, completely dominating their human side. It is known as a potent stimulant for the central nervous system, leading to increased activity in certain areas of the brain, resulting in feelings of energy, focus, and confidence. While it is also used to treat some medical conditions, amphetamines can lead to significant habituation and addiction.
**Reasons for Usage**
According to an "addict" who spoke with "Baghdad Today," the substance provides a strong dose of boldness, indifference, and defiance, leaving users feeling "numb." It offers an unprecedented thrill and a unique experience during the first use, attracting many seekers of novelty.
Specialists note that those who experiment and continue using crystal tend to be shy individuals subjected to bullying from society and their peers. Another group of users includes truck drivers who travel long distances, benefiting from the increased focus and the ability to go several nights without sleep. It is also prevalent among men and women in marginal jobs, feeling inadequate and inferior, as well as those in socially rejected professions like nightclubs and bars.
A study conducted by an Iraqi university confirmed that one of the main factors driving drug use is the security chaos Iraq experienced in 2005, which marked a significant increase in drug use and trafficking in the country. Economic factors, such as widespread youth unemployment and psychological and social pressures from not being able to fulfill responsibilities, also contribute, along with the ease of obtaining drugs.
Furthermore, the curiosity and desire for experimentation typical during adolescence are major reasons, combined with feelings of alienation caused by a lack of opportunities in their country. Social factors include bad company, differing parenting styles, family disputes, favoritism among children, neighborhood influences, and imitation.
Media portrayals and poor use of free time, especially during lengthy summer vacations, should also be noted.
**Sources of the Drug**
One user revealed that he sometimes bought crystal from a "security member" or from a "woman" sitting outside her house in a suburb of Baghdad, or even through "WhatsApp." He sought courage and relief from feelings of despair and repeated failures, as he felt abandoned by his brothers after the death of their parents.
According to a report by the Washington Post, there is a significant spread of the drug crystal in Iraq, with sources traced back to Afghanistan and Iran, alongside a noticeable lack of treatment resources for addicts. The report highlights that Iraq is currently grappling with the painful epidemic of drug addiction, amid poverty resulting from wars and governmental neglect.
It mentioned that the primary sources of drugs come from the cold mountains of Afghanistan and secret Iranian laboratories, where modern facilities and technologies have revitalized this trade. Regional officials and experts have noted that the quantities of crystal meth smuggled from Afghanistan and Iran have significantly increased in recent years, following the same routes used for heroin and opium.
According to Iraqi officials in security, borders, and the judiciary, the drug trade is protected by influential armed groups, some linked to Iran, along with a network of tribal groups and corrupt officials.
**Effects of Crystal**
A security source reported a tragic incident where a father killed his daughter with a pistol in a sector of Sadr City, then fled the scene, with initial information suggesting the act was committed under the pretext of "honor killing." Many horrifying images are flooding Iraqi society due to the increase in drug users, with reports of at least 10 homes in one Baghdad neighborhood having children who use drugs.
A study indicates that the influx of drugs is escalating to a crisis level, as described by civil society activists and health officials, causing a worsening sense of despair among Iraqi youth, leading to mental health issues that diminish awareness and cause disturbances in thought and speech.
Additionally, it can cause sensory processing disorders and issues with memory, potentially leading to optic nerve inflammation and blindness. Social consequences include unemployment due to declining educational levels, and difficulties in managing situations, resulting in family disputes that adversely affect children and their upbringing.
