Increasing Methamphetamine (Yaba) Use among Youth in Cox’s Bazar Region: Exploring Its Socio-Economic Impact

Abstract

This paper explores the current context of Yaba addiction and its overall impact in three sub districts of Cox’s Bazar which are Teknaf, Ukhiya and Cox’s Bazar. In recent years, Yaba addiction has become a common trend in Bangladesh that led to various criminal activities all over the country. The primary objective of this study is to understand and identify the specific causes and influencing factors of Yaba addiction and its socio-economic impact. Therefore, the study further explored the gap in existing addiction prevention and rehabilitation mechanisms and identified the need for further comprehensive addiction prevention and rehabilitation strategies. A qualitative research technique consisting of seven key informant interviews and two focus group discussions was used. The findings of the study highlighted some of the difficulties, limitations and intervention strategies for addressing Yaba addiction across the Cox’s Bazar districts. It has also explored different themes identifying common causes and influencing factors, based on the geographical diversity and contextual dynamics of Yaba addiction, and the physical, psychological and socio-economic impact of Yaba addiction. The study also came up with recommendations, addiction prevention and rehabilitation policies that could be implemented to address the Yaba addiction and smuggling across Bangladesh, including Cox’s Bazar.