‘Shabu,’ a journey to a wasted life

Once taken, there is no turning back. You get caught in a quagmire of extreme joy and ecstasy. The drug can be deceiving: You feel strong, intelligent, alert and hunger-free. Feeling fearless, nothing can deter you, even death. From an introvert, you become an extrovert. The euphoria experienced is so intense there is no need to convince others. By itself, shabu is going to sell like hotcakes. By taking it, you open Pandora’s box. Addiction is almost instant.

The experience is extremely good you will never stop wanting. Shabu is a killer in past, present and future tense. This habit is so enduring that to sustain this vice one has to commit crimes.

Abstinence/withdrawal is characterized by symptoms of hallucination, delusion or manic-depressive reaction, depending on your personality. You could be Jesus Christ or Satan. You could be anybody but yourself. Reality is an option, fantasy is a must. The world of make-believe becomes your haven. It borders on insanity.

Because of drug intolerance, death by overdose is not surprising.

Shabu is the mother of all evil. Think twice before using it. Curiosity kills. Life is going to be wasted for nothing.

MANUEL B. JAPZON, M.D., General MacArthur, Eastern Samar