The use of psychoactive substances among minors is a complex problem that Montenegro, given its prevalence, needs to seriously address, said drug addiction expert Dušan Raspopović.
In the interview Parents Ask, which the Parents Association is implementing with the MINA agency, he pointed out the shift in the age limit for users of psychoactive substances, stating that drugs were previously used mainly by people aged 25 to 30.
Raspopović said that addicts and their families usually seek help after ten or 15 years.
"It is very rare for someone to come forward right away. Usually, they hide it and try to resolve it within their family, circle of friends, and decades pass like that," Raspopović added.
Support services, as he pointed out, are mainly limited to psychological and pedagogical services in schools and psychologists in health centers or the Clinical Center.
Raspopović said that addiction, according to the definition of the World Health Organization, is a chronic relapsing disease, which means that it is not easy to get out of this problem if help is not sought immediately.
"Children often have a small amount of pocket money that they received from their parents for snacks. These are some signals that need to be followed up, or the disappearance of some things from the house that are sold or exchanged for substances. When all that is exhausted, then they move into the world of crime," Raspopović said.
He said that it is unlikely that the family will not notice that there are some behavioral problems, which, he added, are the first warning.
Raspopović said that, in addition to mood changes, the first signs that indicate a problem exist are poorer performance in school, lack of interest, drowsiness, and a reduced need for food.
"Why not get tested if you have any doubts? There are rapid tests available in pharmacies, but also at the Office for the Prevention of Addiction Diseases in the Capital City, where they are free and can be taken every working day," Raspopović said.
He said that some people have been using psychoactive substances for as long as a quarter of a century.
"The question arises as to where we have been all this time. These families are financially exhausted, devastated, and divorces often occur. And when we reach the point where we have nowhere else to go, then we ask for help," Raspopović pointed out.
He said that he is not a supporter of shifting responsibility to anyone, but that the family is the one who should take care of the minor.
"That this young person lives healthily, has plans, engages in sports and healthy lifestyles, has normal thoughts related to life and its perspective," added Raspopović.
He said that he understands that parents are overwhelmed with work, obligations, and providing for the family, but that the well-being of minors must come first.
"Addiction is the only disease where the patient does not want to go to the doctor and has an aversion to treatment. Why? Because of the fear of withdrawal syndrome, of stopping substance use," added Raspopović.
He said that more preventive and educational activities are needed to keep parents informed about all existing challenges.
Raspopović said that marijuana is the most commonly used drug, and recently synthetic drugs - ecstasy.
"Experience shows that even after the first abuse of these synthetic drugs, there can be lasting consequences for the central nervous system, because you never know what these substances are," said Raspopović.
He warned that, unfortunately, the prices of a significant portion of drugs are affordable.
Raspopović pointed out that synthetic drugs are produced in huge quantities, and that they are easier to smuggle, even make.
"So it is very worrying that lately we have seen more and more young people entering the world of addiction," Raspopović said.
According to him, it is evident that more and more young people are showing aggression, whether it is peer violence at school, on the street, in the neighborhood, or violence towards educational workers.
"This is a complex problem that the state needs to address seriously, and at the highest level. We are always dealing with some big policies, and unfortunately we don't see what is happening to us," Raspopović pointed out.
He said that for years he has been speaking out and appealing for police officers to be deployed near schoolyards.
Raspopović also pointed to the increase in the number of criminal offenses committed by minors.
"We recently had information in the media that an 18-year-old was caught with a large amount of marijuana in Kolašin," Raspopović said.
He believes that, in order to combat the use of psychoactive substances, a team should be formed that would include, in addition to police officers, representatives from the education and health sectors, the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions, and the Association of Municipalities.
Raspopović added that Montenegro does not have a juvenile court, which is not the case in some countries in the region, which also have a special rehabilitation center for minors.
"What is happening on the streets of Montenegro is very worrying when it comes to minors," said Raspopović and warned that various criminal structures are recruiting minors because they know what the age limit for criminal responsibility of minors is.
He believes that raising the age limit - to make those under 14 years of age criminally responsible - would not solve all the problems.
"The goal is not to put someone behind bars, because when you send someone to serve a prison sentence, that person should have quality rehabilitation treatment. The point is to return to a normal lifestyle," Raspopović pointed out.
At the core of the entire mission, he said, is preventive action and ensuring that families and individuals have someone to turn to and where to seek help.
Raspopović highlighted the Capital City and the Office for the Prevention of Addiction Diseases as a positive example.
"An SOS line has been established that is not only related to the capital, because citizens from other cities in Montenegro also call. A psychologist from the Kakaricka Gora institution comes to the Office twice a week and receives families or people who have problems," said Raspopović, adding that they are also cooperating with the Podgorica Health Center.
He also warned that, compared to the previous period, a huge number of girls are facing the problem of using psychoactive substances, alcohol, and gambling.
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