You can buy it on the street for KD 30 a gram or if you are really broke, for KD 1.5 per sniff. Ice, also known as crystal meth, is a dangerous and highly addictive drug increasingly popular with Kuwait’s youth. The potent powder can be sniffed, smoked or injected and is widely used as a ‘party’ drug in Kuwait and neighboring countries.
A 25-year-old drug addict in Kuwait who asked that his identity be concealed agreed to talk with Kuwait Times about his use of ‘ice’. He was introduced to the drug at a party by a friend. “I tried it once and BOOM! I was addicted,” he said. “I started using it before I finished my first semester of college. I spent all my time either doing meth, or trying to get it. I like ice – it keeps me happy.”
A 2011 World Drug Report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that 3.1 percent of the Kuwait population is addicted to drugs like hashish, cocaine and opium, with a small but growing population of crystal meth users. Finding it in Kuwait seems to be fairly easy. “The drug dealer meets us in a different place every time, because it’s not easy to make sure that no one will follow you, or he has an assistant. The assistant will take big orders to parties where there are always new people who want to try this drug that makes you feel cool and happy,” the young man said. Often smuggled into Kuwait in liquid form, it can be boiled down to a powder and then sold on the streets.
There are crystal meth factories in places like Shuwaikh and Ahmadi, according to the young man, but he did not have specific details of how widespread is local production. With shaky hands and enlarged pupils, the young man admits that he has suffered from his addiction. “I know it is wrong and I know it makes me very angry for no reason and I want to get into fights. Maybe it is because I have so many aggressive feelings inside me,” he said.
Rehabilitation
“Addicted people like to justify to themselves why they should keep taking the drug,” said Abdul Hamid Bilali, Chairman of Bashayer Al-Khair association, and that is why they need outside help. Kuwait does offer rehabilitation for addicts, but drug control efforts focus largely on alcohol and hashish, with only random busts of cocaine smuggling attempts. Bashayer Al-Khair relies on a faithbased approach.
“Addicted people like to justify to themselves why they should keep taking the drug,” said Abdul Hamid Bilali, Chairman of Bashayer Al-Khair association, and that is why they need outside help. Kuwait does offer rehabilitation for addicts, but drug control efforts focus largely on alcohol and hashish, with only random busts of cocaine smuggling attempts. Bashayer Al-Khair relies on a faithbased approach.
It is an association that helps recovering drug addicts, “which is based on the principle of addressing misconceptions among addicts and the revival of religious faith, urging them to repent sincerely and open the door of hope,” added Bilali. The center has treated more than 1,000 patients in the past eight years and works closely with the court system to provide rehabilitation programs for prisoners serving time for drug related crimes. “Fifty to 60 percent relapse after their release from prison because of the pressures of life, where they cannot find a job or because of bad company. So we are working as a team for the rehabilitation of the prisoners, teach them life skills and values of faith and work sessions for a new life,” said Mansour Khashti, Head of Public Relations of Bashayer Al-Khair. “The rehabilitation process takes about a year. The Ministry of the Interior can agree to place a prisoner under our care for another year, provided he can communicate with his family and relatives to ensure complete recovery,” he added
By Faten Omar of Kuwait Times
I am being SUPER cautious in traffic these days. You never know who is on the stuff.
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