1. Addiction

Harm to the user:

A person who uses drugs may become addicted and experience harmful physical and psychological effects. They can develop many serious health problems and may become depressed, anxious or angry. Some drug users can develop serious mental illnesses such as paranoïa or psychosis.A drug user may experience social isolation because they lose their family and friends, and they may experience poverty because they cannot work. They may also engage in risky behaviours such as unprotected sex, drink driving or using dirty needles.

Harm to family and friends:

Families and friends can experience many negative impacts of someone’s drug use. This includes conflict, loss of trust, relationship breakdown and loss of property. Children of drug users may be neglected or be exposed the violence.

Harm to society:

Drug abuse affects a young person’s future potential. Drug traders can face serious consequences such as jail or the death penalty. The drug trade affects the security of the country and can have a negative impact on its prosperity.

Treatment, rehabilitation and vocational training for drug addicts

Drug addiction is a complex issue for all of society. Treatment and rehabilitation programs are required to help drug users stop using drugs and to develop life skills to prevent future drug abuse. Vocational training is important for both drug users and drug dealers because it provides employment opportunities outside of the illegal and harmful environment of drug production, sale and use. Programs need to be available in the community, in hospitals and in prisons.

2. Violence

Sexual violence happens when someone exerts power and control over another person and forces them into a sexual act which they don’t want and haven’t consented to. It includes not only sex, but also sexual harassment, unwanted advances and unwanted touching. Sexual violence can happen anywhere, including in the home, at work or at school. It can also happen on-line. It can be planned or opportunistic. Most sexual violence is directed towards woman and girls, but sexual violence can also be experienced among people who identify as LGBTQI.

Often a perpetrator of sexual violence is known to the victim. The perpetrator could be a current or former partner, a close friend or family member, a work colleague, a teacher or a neighbour. Sometimes it may be a stranger. Sexual violence has its roots in individual, relationship, community and societal risk factors.

Risk factors for sexual violence include:

• lower levels of education
• exposure to child maltreatment
• witnessing family violence
• antisocial personality disorder 
• harmful use of alcohol 
• harmful masculine behaviours
• community norms that give higher status to men and lower status to women
• poor access to paid employment for women
• low level of gender equality

If you have been sexually assaulted – check this

• As soon as you can, leave and go to a safe place. 
• Tell people you trust what has happened to you. 
• Report the assault to the police.
• If you have been raped, don’t have a shower or change your clothes until advised by the police or a doctor. Keeping evidence is important.
• See a doctor as soon as possible for an internal and external check-up. 
• Contact a counseling service for support
• Importantly, don't blame yourself.

Counselling services

   Vientiane Women's Union counselling service (021-265-624)

   Lao Women's Center legal counselling toll-free phone number 1362

   Vientiane Youth Center toll-free phone number (1361 for women and 137 for men)