Number of people abusing drugs is on the rise. The Royal Bhutan Police arrested 530 male and 31 female in 2013. The number went up to 711 in 2014.
Statistics show marijuana as the most widely used drug with about 46 percent. It is closely followed by pharmaceutical drugs with 36 percent. Records also show that 36 percent of the offenders are students while 34 percent fall within unemployed group.
Consultations by the Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency showed that many take up drugs because of domestic violence, family problems and peer pressure.
Meanwhile, most of the female drug abusers are not willing to come forward and avail services at the treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Social stigma, according to officials, is one of the many reasons why women are not coming forward for treatment.
The rehabilitation center in Serbithang has eight beds reserved for women but it remains underutilized most of the time.
BNCA’s , Deputy Chief, Dorji Tshering said they are hoping for more turnout with the awareness underway in schools, among the parents, stakeholders and the dependents themselves.
On the other hand, the number of male dependents far outnumber the intake capacity at the Serbithang rehabilitation center.
The treatment and rehabilitation for the drug and alcohol dependence was established in 2009 and female rehabilitation in 2010.
The center provides vocational and life-skill programs.
