Drug Abuse Surges in Malta: Over 6,000 Seek Help
In the heart of Malta, at the bustling St. Vincent de Paul Street in Floriana, the OASI Foundation’s office has seen an rare surge in visitors this year. The bell above the door chimes more frequently, as over 6,000 individuals, a 20% increase from last year, have sought help, painting a stark reality of rising drug abuse on the island.
Drug Abuse on the Rise in Malta
The OASI Foundation, Malta’s leading drug treatment and rehabilitation centre, has sounded the alarm on the escalating drug abuse crisis. Their annual report reveals a worrying trend, with a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking help for drug addiction. The foundation’s director, Dr. Marcella Borg, attributes this rise to several factors, including the pandemic’s mental health impact and the increasing availability of drugs.
Pandemic’s Mental Health Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has left no aspect of life untouched, and its mental health implications are now being felt acutely. Dr. Borg explains, “The pandemic has caused immense stress and uncertainty, leading some individuals to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism.” The closure of gyms, social distancing measures, and job losses have all contributed to a rise in mental health issues, with drugs often serving as a temporary escape.
Availability and Normalisation of Drugs
Another significant factor driving the increase in drug abuse is the growing availability and normalisation of drugs. The Malta Drug Information and Monitoring Centre (MDIMC) reports that drugs like cannabis, cocaine, and ecstasy are becoming more readily available, with some even being sold openly on social media platforms. This normalisation, coupled with the misconception that some drugs are ‘harmless’, has led to a rise in experimentation and subsequent addiction.
OASI’s findings are echoed by other local organisations working in the field. The Richmond Foundation, Malta’s leading mental health NGO, has also reported an increase in individuals seeking help for drug-related issues. Their CEO, Dr. Marcello Cassar, warns, “We’re seeing a worrying trend where drugs are becoming increasingly normalised, and this is leading to a rise in addiction and related mental health issues.”
OASI’s Call to Action
The OASI Foundation is calling on the government to invest more resources into prevention and treatment programmes. They also urge the public to be more aware of the signs of drug abuse and to seek help early. Dr. Borg emphasises, “Early intervention is key. The sooner we can help individuals overcome their addiction, the better their chances of a full recovery.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, help is available. The OASI Foundation can be reached at their Floriana office on St. Vincent de Paul Street, or by calling their 24/7 helpline on 179.
