In Bulgaria, the use of drugs among adolescents alarmingly begins before the age of 12. This troubling trend was outlined by Dr. Tsveteslava Galabova, director of the State Psychiatric Hospital "St. Ivan Rilski". The information was presented during a round table discussion on the topic "Childhood without Violence", held at the National Sports Academy (NSA). The event, organized by Gabriel Valkov, chairman of the Youth and Sports Commission in the National Assembly, brought together experts and specialists to discuss pressing problems affecting the well-being of children.
In addition to the early use of drugs, Dr. Galabova also highlighted another alarming trend – the emergence of about 40-50 new psychoactive substances every year. This creates additional challenges for health authorities and complicates the fight against drug addiction.
Statistics published on the website of the National Center for Public Health and Analyses reveal a disturbing reality. Over the past year, approximately 11,800 people sought medical help in toxicology departments due to alcohol and drug poisoning. It is important to note that these are only the registered cases, which suggests that the real figures may be significantly higher.
Dr. Galabova emphasized the seriousness of the problem with gambling and screen addiction. She pointed out that approximately 50,000 people have registered in a special register for people addicted to gambling. But there is a problem: this portal, which should limit access to casinos and gambling sites, allows users to unsubscribe at any time. This raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the affected individuals.
The negative influence of screen addiction among children was also discussed. "Screen addiction is already a disease", Dr. Galabova stated categorically.
In her speech, she highlighted the destructive impact of addictions on human life. "Addictions end in three places – in prison, in psychiatry, and in the cemetery. There is no fourth way out", she emphasized.
Dr. Galabova stressed the urgent need to improve the treatment system. "In Bulgaria, there are no state and therapeutic programs for treatment, except for one or two places and they are in psychiatry. There is not a single place in our country where a child with an addiction can be accommodated", she noted. This raises questions about the state's readiness to deal with this growing problem.
According to Dr. Galabova, the root of the problem with child addictions and aggression lies in the family environment. The atmosphere of the discussion was tense as those present discussed the challenges facing the modern family.
"The disintegration of society begins with the disintegration of the Bulgarian family as an institution. About 60% of children in recent years are born out of wedlock, which leads to the easy breakdown of relationships and children being left with one parent", said Dr. Tsveteslava Galabova.
She emphasized that violence in the Bulgarian family is widespread, and it is not limited to physical abuse, but also includes a lack of interest in children's activities. "Violence is giving a child 200 BGN and telling them to go to the mall and not bother me", she added.
Dr. Galabova also emphasized the importance of upbringing and respect for institutions. Children must be taught rules and responsibility. "We parents educate with behavior", she was categorical.
In conclusion, Dr. Galabova pointed out that the solution to the problems starts with "the recovery of the family as an institution".