With the drug issue impacting every society in the nation, Dr Rajesh Maharaj, says drugs, alcohol, kava and smoking give users temporary happiness and enjoyment, but ultimately damage their inner well-being.
While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, former President of the Fiji College of General Practitioners and a General Practitioner with a special interest in NCDs, child health and natural medicine, Dr Maharaj highlighted that he believes people tend to use drugs due to their availability, peer pressure, and the search for happiness and enjoyment.
Insert: Dr Maharaj on damages, 2nd January 2026
He shared that everyone needs to take on the challenge of eradicating drugs from the country, and that it will take a lot of hard work and determination to bring about meaningful change.
Naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill believes that one of the reasons people are turning to drugs is that children are being given sugar, which she describes as highly addictive.
She says when you look at people who take drugs, they are addicted to the “high” it gives.
O’Neill says sugar causes blood sugar levels to rise and claims it can be addictive in a similar way to drugs.
She also claims that Fiji has some juices that are very effective in detoxing people from drugs, such as coconut water or bu.
O’Neill says continuous drug use can lead to inflammation, where cells begin to break down.
You can watch the Straight Talk interview on our website, fijivillage.
@fijivillage.com Naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill believes that one of the reasons people are turning to drugs is that children are being given sugar, which she describes as highly addictive.
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