Drug use in Thailand is becoming an increasing problem. Heroin and opium are still popular drugs for users in Thailand, but they are being replaced by Yaba. Yaba is a combination of caffeine and methamphetamine, mainly manufactured in Burma.
Other drugs like ecstasy and cocaine are also becoming a serious concern in Thailand, but not as much as heroin and yaba. Thailand has strict laws against drug users, which include the use of the death penalty, but these laws do not stop the people from using drugs. Drug use in Thailand is not only affecting the lower class but all classes of society.
Drug abuse impacts the individual, family, and community.
Everybody knows someone who is affected by drug abuse.
Individual:
Adolescence: This is a time period of high vulnerability to drug abuse and other risk taking behaviors.
Mental Illness: People with mental illness are particularly at risk for problems related to substance abuse.
Consequences of Substance Abuse: These can include illness, injuries, and death. Each year approximately 40 million debilitating illnesses or injuries occur among Americans as the result of their use of tobacco, alcohol, or another addictive drug.7&15
Deaths: In 2000, approximately 460,000 deaths were attributable to illicit drug abuse and smoking.