Daniel David: Appropriate treatments for drug addicts are lacking

Updating legislation on reducing drug use and trafficking among schoolchildren was the main theme of a debate organized today by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse.

Speaking at the event, Education Minister Daniel David said that although we have many regulations and national strategies, there is a lack of prevention, specialists and appropriate treatment for drug addicts.

At the Parliament's Palace, the Committee on Investigation of Abuses, Fight against Corruption and Petitions organized the debate "The drug epidemic in schools and high schools", bringing together authorities, psychologists and parents' representatives.

Education Minister Daniel David: Prevention must be done by those who know how to do it. You can't do prevention only with specialists; you have to involve parents, you have to involve teachers and those factors of vulnerability for us, those centers to provide scientifically validated treatments.

DIICOT prosecutor Alexandra Ciofringeanu pointed out that some dealers are even students, recruited by trafficking networks.

Alexandra Ciofringeanu: There was also discussion about changing the organizational culture in schools so that drug use is clearly discouraged. Psychologists also stressed the need to educate parents, some of whom are former users, downplaying the dangers of drugs based on their own experience.

According to an emergency ordinance approved by the Senate, as the first chamber to vote, people addicted to narcotics will be able to attend recovery programs in mental health centers.

Translated by: Radu Matei