About 40 percent of Saudi students become drug addicts because of the increased use of narcotics during exam times. And it happens when parents and guardians put pressure on them to score high marks. Drugs help them stay awake and study.
“Some children are given the impression that certain narcotics help them memorize well and stay awake during night,” said Dr. Nizar Al-Saleh, consultant of the National Committee to Combat Drugs.
He said Captagon pills are sold among students by different names. “Children with weak personalities, who do not receive proper care and guidance at homes and schools, fall victims to drug traffickers,” he said.
Al-Saleh said drugs give false notion to children that they would sharpen their memory. “Actually they would weaken them and cause them to perform poorly in exams,” the consultant said. He said a shortage of experts to deal with drug addicts would have a negative impact on youth.
He called upon parents to keep a close watch on their children to protect them from drug peddlers. “Tension during exams is one of the main reasons Saudi students use drugs,” Al-Saleh pointed out.
“Drug addiction is one of the major problems facing Saudi society,” said Dr. Saeed Al-Sareeha, director of studies at information. “A drug addict can destroy the whole family.”