In a graduation ceremony held at the San Blas Therapeutic Center, Caritas Malta Director Anthony Gatt highlighted significant shifts in Malta’s drug landscape, with cannabis now overtaking heroin as the primary reason people seek assistance.
The event, celebrating nine individuals who successfully completed drug rehabilitation programs, shed light on emerging challenges in substance abuse patterns.
Gatt reported a landmark change in treatment-seeking behaviour: “For the first time they sought help more for cannabis than for heroin.”
According to Gatt, of the 808 clients who contacted Caritas last year, 21% sought help for cannabis use, compared to 17% for heroin. However, cocaine and crack cocaine remain the most significant concerns, accounting for 56% of all cases.
The Caritas director expressed grave concern about the cocaine situation, stating, “here people are running around in luxury cars and are chasing the victims and addicts from the house.” This vivid description paints a picture of the aggressive nature of cocaine distribution and its impact on communities.
Gatt also raised alarms about the lack of enforcement regarding cannabis laws. “We are seeing a sad reality, most of which has to do with the lack of law enforcement. The Law says that you can’t smoke Cannabis in public or in front of children and you can’t have more than 4 plants at home…but no one is regulating all this and there are many parents and neighbors who are worried,” he said.
Another pressing issue highlighted was the sale of synthetic cannabis products (HHC) in everyday shops. Gatt revealed a disturbing discovery: “a colleague bought them and sent them to the laboratory and surprisingly there are traces of MDMA (Ecstacy), Ketamine and Amphetamine!” He called for serious enforcement to address this dangerous trend.
The ceremony also featured speeches from notable figures. President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono praised Caritas, saying, “Caritas is love and mother because it gives birth to you again.”
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi echoed Pope Francis’s recent appeal, emphasising three key points; encouragement for those battling addiction to never give up, recognition of the societal damage caused by drugs, and a warning against the misconception that liberalising drug consumption will decrease addiction.
Despite these challenges, Caritas reported several successes in 2023. The organisation assisted around 800 individuals with drug-related issues, admitted 257 to residential programs, helped 515 family members, and provided counselling to 686 people. Additionally, Caritas reached out to 3,400 children in 23 schools and 450 employees in 19 companies.
Gatt concluded by stressing the need for more prevention efforts, reintroducing order, mercy, and justice, and prioritizing family support. As Malta grapples with evolving drug trends, the work of organizations like Caritas remains crucial in addressing these complex societal issues.
Source: Newsbook.com.mt