Kerala’s Kozhikode mahal committees decide to fight drug menace by refusing marriage certificate to addicts

The Mahal committees of mosques in Puthupadi in Kerala’s Kozhikode have taken up steps to fight the drug menace in the Engappuzha and Adivaaram regions of the district, reports Manorama Online. The decision was taken in a meeting of various Mahal committees held at Odungad masjid hall. The meeting was convened after two murders took place in the area in the last two months, reportedly due to drug abuse.

These are the main decisions taken at the meeting: 
1) Marriages would be approved only between partners with no links to any sort of drug usage. Drug users wouldn’t get conduct certificates from the mahals for weddings.
2) Awareness campaigns would be conducted to raise caution among young women against dangerous friendships.
3) Parents would be given proper guidance.

4) Those who challenge the social norms by indulging in drug abuse or have links with the drug mafia will be banned by the Mahal committees.
5) Public participation and cooperation among youngsters would be sought in anti–drug campaigns.

A young man had hacked his wife to death on Tuesday night at Kakkad near Engappuzha. It was two months ago that another youngster slit his mother’s throat at Puthupadi. Meanwhile, a drug user had died early this month after he swallowed MDMA packets when the police spotted him. Lots of violent activities have been reported in the area due to rampant drug abuse among youngsters. The Mahal committees have now decided to fight this menace to ensure peace and harmony in the society.

Drug abuse affects relationships
According to the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), substance abuse and any long-term relationships like marriage do not mix. Many treatments for individuals with drug addiction will also involve the partner in some way. Substance abuse leads to the following problems in relationships:
1) Arguments about drug use, resulting in money issues, staying out late and not being responsible enough about family matters.
2) Isolation from friends and family due to the nuisance caused by the habit.

3) Various episodes of domestic violence in varying intensities
4) Any stress leading to drug abuse
5) The Partner has to cover for the drug user for not showing up for work and other important matters.
Various treatments are available today for drug users. However, there are times when a partner refuses to acknowledge their substance abuse problem. In such cases, health providers can also provide information to motivate and urge partners to consider getting help. It is essential not to delay getting expert help to treat the problem as soon as possible.