It will only be suffering and nothing else
It first made its presence known in 6000 BC when cannabis seeds were used for food in China. It has held a hypnotic hold over generations in various countries through the ages. The Egyptians, Persians and the Chinese, to name a few, fell under its spell with disastrous effects. Today, Afghanistan supplies more than half of the world's demand.
In the 12th century hashish became very popular in the Middle East. Cannabis was introduced in Egypt during the reign of the Ayyubid dynasty when Egypt was flooded with mystic devotees from Syria.
The addictive nature of hashish is well known. Napoleon was aware of its effects on his men and banned it. Its hold over an individual could result in the deterioration of the addict's physical, mental and financial status.
Bahrain has been battling with the problem for a while now. In 2007, the Ministry of Interior apprehended 1,042 people in drug-related cases, compared with 1,014 people the previous year.
Drug abuse claimed 33 lives in 2007, compared with 36 in 2006.
The battle with the drug is made worse by the fact that the legislation to control the drug varies in various countries.
Holland has a very tolerant view of the drug, which is not shared by Singapore. With the increase in international travel people are exposed to these different mores, which can affect their thinking on the consumption of drugs.
Hashish addiction is simply narcotic addiction. Many people are not aware of its dangers since its side effects are not as severe as those using other drugs. Nevertheless it is considered one of the more hazardous drugs.
Sustained usage of hashish results in poor academic and physical performance as well as a reduction in social interaction. The most common characteristics of hashish addicts are mood swings with a short temper being the most visible effect.
Unfortunately, many youth think that hashish has no side effects and will not lead to addiction. But hashish is usually the first step towards long addiction to various narcotics and in some cases even criminal activity which results in the reduction in the value of life. In some cases it leads to death.
Misconception that hashish improves sexual capabilities of men has been debunked years ago.
In the initial stages there is without doubt an improvement in the sexual ability but it finally leads to sexual disorders.
Hashish addiction is not considered a crime by the law and the addicts are considered victims and not criminals.
Hashish could lead to serious psychological conflicts as many think that there are conspiracies against them and they are being hated. Addicts lose control over their lives and links with realities, while many slip into deep hallucinations.
Most hashish addicts look tired and with black circles around their eyes.
Studies reveal that many start taking hashish to please friends or improve sexual abilities, while long, intense usage of hashish affect the hearing and brain because of the high poison level in the blood and can cause death if eaten or taken with coffee or tea.
Urgent stomach cleaning or blood transfusion is the only method to help hashish addicts who expose to high level of poison in his or her body.
Hashish was the top drug seized by the ministry with a staggering 1,113,539 kgs (2.5 million pounds) in 2007. This year, only 20 kgs were seized till April.
© Bahrain Tribune 2008
