Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Drugs abuse continues to pose a significant threat in Indonesia, with various widely used types of narcotics causing severe physical and mental damage, and in some cases, leading to death. Public awareness about different types of narcotics is crucial to prevent misuse.
Narcotics are classified as illegal drugs that can negatively affect physical and mental health and cause strong dependency. However, some narcotics have medical benefits if used under proper dosage and supervision by healthcare professionals. Misuse, however, can be life-threatening.
In addition to narcotics, the Indonesian Ministry of Health uses the term NAPZA, an acronym for narcotics, psychotropics, and other addictive substances.
Generally, narcotics are categorized into four main groups:
- Cannabis: Marijuana and hashish
- Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS): Amphetamines, ecstasy, cathinones, and methamphetamine
- Opiates: Heroin, morphine, opium, pethidine, codeine, Subutex, Suboxone, and methadone
- Tranquilizers: Luminal, Nipam, Koplo pills, Mogadon, Valium, Camlet, Dumolid, cocaine, and ketamine
The content of these narcotics and drugs can have a negative impact on health, especially if misused.
Global and National Drug Usage Trends
According to Kompas, the World Drug Report 2024 states the number of drug users worldwide rose to 292 million in 2022, marking a 20% increase over the past decade.
Marijuana remains the most commonly used drug globally, with 228 million users, followed by opioids (60 million users), amphetamines (30 million users), cocaine (23 million users), and ecstasy (20 million users).
Meanwhile, in Indonesia, data from the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) highlights the most commonly used narcotics. Here’s the list, as reported by HelloSehat.
1. Marijuana
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves of the Cannabis sativa plant, contains the psychoactive compound delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). According to the Indonesia Drugs Report 2022, 41.4% of drug users in Indonesia consume marijuana and hashish. Users commonly smoke marijuana in rolled cigarettes or inhale vapors using devices like bongs.
2. Methamphetamine (Sabu)
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant, often appearing as a white, odorless, and bitter crystalline substance. It ranks as the second most-used narcotic in Indonesia, with 25.7% of drug users consuming methamphetamine. The drug can be smoked, swallowed, or injected, with rapid euphoric effects often leading to repeated use.
3. Ecstasy
Ecstasy, or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception, combining stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Initially patented by German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1910, it was later banned by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1985 due to its neurotoxic effects. In Indonesia, ecstasy ranks fifth in narcotics abuse cases, with 485 reported incidents.
4. Heroin
Heroin is derived from morphine, a natural compound extracted from the seed pods of the Papaver somniferum poppy plant. Typically found in white or brown powder form, or as a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin,” the drug can be smoked, snorted, or injected after being dissolved and heated. According to BNN’s National Narcotics Abuse Survey, heroin accounted for 1.5% of narcotic use in Indonesia in 2021.
Addressing the Crisis
Each type of narcotic poses unique risks to users’ physical and mental health. Recognizing the various narcotics circulating in Indonesia and understanding their associated dangers is essential for both prevention and intervention efforts.
Read also : Indonesian Police Arrest Drugs Lord in Bangkok, Mastermind Behind Bali Drug Lab
Indonesian authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on transnational drug syndicates operating within the country. Meanwhile, public education and stricter enforcement remain critical tools in combating the growing drug abuse crisis in the country.
(Raidi/Agung)
