THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the increase in synthetic drug consumption along with alcohol and cannabis, the number of people coming for treatment at the Excise Department's de-addiction centers has also increased. The increase is within one year.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts have the highest number of drug usage incidences and cases. In two months, 683 people sought treatment for addiction to MDMA, LSD stamps, Nitrazepam, etc. in these districts. Last year, less than 300 people sought treatment in the entire state, but within months of this year, it has increased more than twice the previous number.

Those who were violent from loss of sleep, weak from lack of food, forced to join by their families, and caught by the excise and police with intoxicating substances are the ones who have undergone forced treatment. Many people are referred for de-addiction treatment when they show withdrawal symptoms while in custody and on remand. Most of the patients are in the age group of 15-35.

The availability and portability of the drug in urban and rural areas and longer hours of intoxication compared to cannabis and alcohol is what attracted youth to synthetic drugs. It does not smell like alcohol or cannabis, so it is not detectable immediately. Synthetic intoxication had become widespread during the Covid lockdown. Malayali girls are also active in smuggling and selling these drugs.

Chronic disease

About 50 people have been reported with mental problems and several people have kidney failure due to the regular use of these drugs. Many people are also treated for dental problems, osteoporosis, heart disease, memory loss, depression, panic attacks, mood swings, and vision problems.

De-addiction centers

De-addiction centers have been started by the Excise and Health Departments to free the addicts and lead them to a healthy and happy life. There are fourteen centers in the state with one in each district. There are half a dozen counseling centers in excise offices for cases that do not require hospital admission.

Seized by excise in January

Cannabis- 292 kg

MDMA - 486 grams

Methamphetamine-221g

LSD - .126 grams

Hashish Oil- 819 g

Brown sugar - 42 grams

Heroin - 105 grams

Nitrazepam- 8.2 g

'The number of people seeking treatment at de-addiction centers has increased with the increase in synthetic drugs. Awareness has also been strengthened along with enforcement measures against drug addiction.'

- B Suresh, Deputy Commissioner, Excise.