Changing Patterns in the Types and Methods of Abuse of Illegal Drugs in Sri Lanka: A Study Based on Five Recent Case Series

Abstract

Substance abuse is a global problem. The types of drugs, patterns of abuse and other demographic characters change over time. Five incidences including two case series are discussed here. They involve teenagers and young adults including fist-time users of cocktails of drugs including relatively newer substances of abuse in Sri Lanka such as amphetamines and methamphetamines. Illegal gatherings organized through the internet such as Facebook parties are becoming commoner in Sri Lanka providing a safe platform for experiencing illegal drugs and casual sex for teenagers including school children. Recreational abuse of these drugs in the dance culture by teenagers and young adults poses many medical, social and psychological problems. Young female substance abusers are on the rise. Chemsex or the abuse of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual desire, performance and to achieve a ‘carefree and relaxed mind-set’ during casual sex is a relatively newer entity in Sri Lanka which is reported in these case series.  Rave parties, beach parties and Facebook parties pose many new challenges to the law enforcement, Government Analyst and the Judicial Medical Officer in Sri Lanka. Multi-disciplinary research and infrastructure development are necessary to successfully face these challenges.