- 143 - Bi-Annual Research Journal “BALOCHISTAN REVIEW” ISSN 1810-2174 Balochistan Study Centre, University of Balochistan, Quetta (Pakistan) VOL. XXXIX NO. 2, 2018 Drug Addiction: A review of challenges and solutions Dr. Huma Zafar 1 , Dr. Siraj Bashir 2 & Muhammad Asif 3 Abstract This article provides an overview of the current situation of drug addiction in Pakistan generally and specifically in Balochistan. The intensity of this problem is evidenced by the presence of more than 8 million addicts in the country. Being a social problem of Pakistan drug addiction has already grabbed the attention of government and law enforcement agencies. With this realization government enacted policies to address all addiction related issues. This paper uncovers the challenges faced by the government while dealing with the drug menace. Practicable solutions are also identified in the light of reasons and effects of drug addiction. Keywords. Drug addiction, policies, effects, Balochistan. Introduction Drug addiction is one of the alarming social problems of Pakistan which is rapidly affecting large number of its population. The Control of Narcotic substances Act defines addiction in the Guzzatte of Pakistan 1997 as ‘Addict means a person physically or mentally dependent on any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance or a person who habitually uses narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances’. Currently number of drug addicts in Pakistan is more than 8 million (Express Tribune, 2017) while 700 people die every day due to drug–related complications (Qasim 2016; Raheem 2018). Drugs are available in different forms across the country, such as Cocaine, Hashish, Heroin, Opium, Cannabis, and Crystal. Most of the drug addicts are between the ages of 25 to 39 (United Nation office on Drug and Crimes UNODC, 2013). Despite of its dangerous effects and consequences, the addicts are increasing devastatingly with the rate of 40,000 per year (Express Tribune 2017; Ministry of Narcotics Control 2009). Qasim (2017) gave the figures that ‘more than three million Pakistanis between the ages of 15 and 64 use heroin regularly and 1 Assistant Professor, Social Work Department, University of Balochistan, Quetta 2 Assistant Professor, Social Work Department, University of Balochistan, Quetta 3 M.Phil Scholar, Social Work Balochistan Study Center, UoB, Quetta