MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA

Young, unemployed, gang members, criminals, these are the stereotypes that come to mind when we think of drug addicts. But a growing number of health care providers and pilots are joining this notorious list. A recent investigation carried out by the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) found a doctor and pilot guilty of misusing buprenorphine, a painkiller. According to SSP Nawaraj Silwal, the two were found with other illegal drugs like tidigesic and phenergan. The nurses who gave the DDA officials the lead were also found misusing the drugs with the doctor.

The convicted doctor said he began taking the drugs to reduce stress. "I wanted to use it only once, but now I cannot get out of the habit," he admitted. The pilot who is a former drug addict said he had remained clean for years before relapsing a few months back upon his return from the Philippines. His family weren't aware about his situation before the police took him into custody. He has been released on the condition of being admitted to a rehabilitation centre.