Turkey's drug problem looms large

I first noticed just how widespread the use of drugs in schools has become in Turkey when I did a news story on the subject two years ago.

That's when members of the "Let's Meet in a Sober Life" (AYBUDER) association, who all struggle with drug-addicted relatives, started a non-stop protest period to make their voice heard.

What they told me was terrifying. I heard that one could buy a hit of heroin for 5 Turkish Liras (roughly $1.4) in the southern tourist haven Antalya, while the northwestern industrial city of Bursa has now become a methamphetamine hub. Drugs have even made their way to small villages in the northeastern province of Erzurum, they said.

Children as young as 8 or 9 have become embroiled in this nightmare. Kids as young as 8 are using needles, while drug dealers are able to walk without any hassle at school entrances and at rehabilitation centers, AYBUDER told me.

It's heartbreaking. And we don't know about the true scale of the problem because official data only covers those who apply to rehab centers and admit that they are addicts. 

Two years ago, members of AYBUDER had three specific requests from the government: 

1) The establishment of a parliamentary anti-drug commission to oversee policies and monitor the issue. They asked the state to take a share in the cost rather than arbitrarily earmarking funds.

2) A public mobilization to take hold, with treatment and rehabilitation centers in every provinces. 

3) Informative feature stories and debate shows on TV to take different angles on the issue, seeking sustainable solutions.

Not one of these requests drew a positive response, even though the issue continues to hurt people and their loved ones.

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