Fiji is facing a crucial moment in its fight against drug abuse, raising concerns that the crisis may soon escalate uncontrollably. This troubling trend is addressed in “You Again,” a new book by Adi Tulia Nacola, which focuses on the growing drug epidemic and the stigma associated with addiction in the country.
Launched at the Fiji Museum, Nacola’s book offers a serious examination of the landscape of drug addiction in Fiji, presented through a fictional narrative featuring drug and alcohol addicts. During her research, Nacola uncovered alarming statistics, including the involvement of children as young as ten in illegal drug activities. These revelations highlight a deepening crisis that Nacola warns could spiral if not tackled promptly.
“I wrote this for anyone willing to educate themselves,” Nacola stated. She explained that the book reflects the experiences of those recovering from addiction and their families. “You Again” aims to address the social context of Fiji and seeks to challenge and transform the perception of addiction.
Nacola urges the community to come together to manage this issue. “I began writing this journey in September of last year. I wanted to inspire the community, especially as we are all aware of the shocking drug epidemic,” she noted, adding that the situation has left many feeling confused and anxious.
She stressed the importance of compassion and understanding when it comes to supporting addicts, advocating for a collective community effort to confront the problem effectively. “We need to eliminate the stigma that surrounds addiction. Let’s unite as a community and a family to share our stories and help those in darkness reach the light.”
Stephanie Datt, the book’s editor, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the rising drug crisis is increasingly affecting younger individuals, with children being exploited as drug carriers. She highlighted the urgent need for open dialogues within communities to tackle and reduce the impact of drug abuse.
“You Again” is expected to create a significant ripple effect, according to Datt. “The age of those involved is getting younger, and our children are being used as mules and paddlers in these operations. Now is the time for communities and youth to engage in conversation. We will continue to share stories because all societal issues are interconnected.”