Church helps to lead fight against increasing drug use

Armenia- Injecting drug use in Armenia has increased drastically, spurring the Armenian Apostolic Church in Shirak region, together with World Vision, to address the issue among young people who are among the most vulnerable.

“I beg you, do something, drugs take my son from me”, were the words of a distraught mother that moved the Archbishop of the Shirak Diocese to approach World Vision for support.

 ‘Entrance to blind alley’; a movie featuring individuals attending the day care centre for people living with HIV and AIDS and injecting drug users in Shirak region, is one of the fruits of joint efforts with the Church and World Vision and is already having an impact, say youth that have watched the film that has been broadcast across the country.

 "It is easier not to start rather than stop"

 “It is easier not to start rather than stop. This is what I learned from the video,” said Garegin Chshmarityan, 15. “It may also cause AIDS,” he added.

  Also supported by the Armenian Round Table of World Council of Churches, the movie is being used to create debates amongst high school children.

 Children from Child Care Residential Institutions, who are among the most vulnerable to drug use, are also taking part in one of the debates.

 To the question ‘why do people start using drugs’? Sveta Amirbekyan, 12, said, “Drugs are evil created by wicked people. It is a matter of choice. God gave us a chance to choose and make the right decision.”

 “Sometimes children need support and guidance to make the right decision and such movies are a very effective way of helping children not to appear in blind alley,” says Father Isaiah of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"Young people think they can do everything and in some respect this is true"

 He adds, “Young people think they can do everything and in some respect this is true. It is good when teenagers are self-confident...but self-confidence is not at all justified when it refers to the usage of drugs or alcohol...”.

 According to the chief state narcologist of Armenia, Petros Semerjian the number of officially registered injecting drug users has increased drastically. Over 1,700 individuals applied to Armenian narcological centers for assistance as of 2010 compared to 1,100 registered patients in 2009. Unofficial expert estimates based on research put the real number of heavy drug addicts in the country of three million at between 5,000 and 7,000. Narcologists believe that another 25,000 Armenians are addicted to lighter drugs such as cannabis.

"Unfortunately people who have financial security are sometimes more prompt using drugs"

Misconceptions around drug use prevail – such as drug users are those in need. “Unfortunately people who have financial security are sometimes more prompt using drugs. Some try because they are bored, some are afraid that their friends may tease them if they reject,” explains the father.

The Armenian Apostolic Church, established in 301with centuries of experience supporting social needs in the community, in addition to promoting moral values, is once again reaching out to communities following a time of silence during the Soviet era.

“Despite the fact that the Church does not have enough resources, World Vision recognises that the Armenian Apostolic Church has the major power to recover moral values of young people,” says Karine Harutyunyan, World Vision Armenia Church and Government Relations Manager.

“It is logical to support the Church so that it can take actions to strengthen Christian witness in Armenia and help people to live in faith,” explains Karine.

Supporting the Church to reach out to young people to address issues of drug use, health, education and good citizenship is one way that World Vision is striving to help children experience the love of God and their neighbours towards living life in all its fullness.

* The Armenian Apostolic Church is one of the original Oriental Orthodox churches. About 95% of the Armenian population is Orthodox Christian.