One died, three were poisoned
“There is a youth party in Marijampole on the weekend ended tragically. During the night from Saturday to Sunday, help was called several times for guys poisoned by drugs at the same address – Biržai street.
Two 17-year-olds, one of whom died, and an 18-year-old were poisoned by narcotics. Two guys were brought to the hospital. After some time, the 17-year-old was released home for treatment, and the 18-year-old continues to be treated in the hospital, his condition is stable. As the police announced, the body of a dead minor was found in the apartment around 1:50 a.m.
Eriko Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Beržų street in Marijampole
Police have launched a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of death.
On Saturday, a 13-year-old teenage girl who was poisoned with alcohol was brought to the Marijampole hospital. She was also brought from Biržų Street, but according to the police, these cases are not related to each other”, such a report appeared in the media on Monday morning.
And representatives of the local government confirmed that Beržų street has been a problem place for a long time, that there are dormitories there, where drug-using teenagers can gather.
Biržų street – the whole of Lithuania
However, this is only partially true. First of all, the event itself has nothing to do with dormitories. This week, the unsafely named Biržų street only became a mirror of the situation regarding drug use.
Beržų gatvė is nothing but the whole of Lithuania, because children and teenagers who are poisoned by various psychotropic substances end up in hospitals all over Lithuania.
This week, the unsafely named Biržų street only became a mirror of the situation regarding drug use.
It is true that there is very little information about such events, only a few lines – because various services hang locks on their doors in the name of personal data protection. Therefore, dramas become only statistics, only articles of the Criminal Code, according to which pre-trial investigations have been initiated.
Only those closest to them know who is behind them.
15min recently published a study on drug availability and prevalence among adolescents.
Eriko Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Beržų street in Marijampole
The father made a sensitive post public
Various services and child rights advocates have spoken out this week regarding the death of the 17-year-old. All of them emphasized the systemic problem – the spread of drugs and their availability.
By the way, the dead guy did not live in the dormitory or in general on Biržų Street. His family lived in their own house in another part of town. Here, it is assumed that the guy was visiting a friend, where the party was going on.
The 17-year-old from Marijampoli was buried on Wednesday, and his father published a sensitive post on the social network dedicated to his son. “The house is empty without you,” he wrote.
The mayor of the Marijampolė city ward agreed to talk to 15min about this topic Dale Sabaliuniene, chief specialists Gintarė Mirijauskienė and Sandra Urboniene. Women say that such events primarily affect them emotionally – as mothers who are raising or have already raised children.
One of Marijampolė’s schools is next to the municipal building, so, experts say, children smoking e-cigarettes gather around the building during breaks, which is why the police have been called several times.
– How did you react to the news that one teenager died of drug poisoning in Marijampole, on Beržų street, and the others fell into the hands of doctors. Not as ward specialists, but as mothers?
#Tragedy #Biržų #Street #death #stop #Children #funerals #bus
Interview with Dr. Inga Januli, a Social Work Expert and Youth Advocate
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Januli. We’ve recently seen a tragic incident in Marijampole, where a 17-year-old lost his life and several others were poisoned at a youth party. What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
Dr. Januli: Thank you for having me. This incident is heartbreaking and highlights a growing issue within our communities regarding drug use among adolescents. It’s alarming to see drug-related emergencies becoming more common, and it serves as a wake-up call for all of us to address the underlying factors contributing to this crisis.
Editor: Local authorities indicated that Biržų Street has been known for drug-related problems. Do you believe this is just isolated to this particular area, or is it a wider issue throughout Lithuania?
Dr. Januli: While Biržų Street may be a focal point, the reality is that the drug issue is prevalent across the entire country. This specific location might serve as a reflection of a larger trend affecting many neighborhoods. Young people are struggling with substance use disorders, and we need to focus on addressing the root causes like mental health issues, lack of community support, and accessibility of drugs.
Editor: You’ve mentioned accessibility. How significant is this aspect when it comes to youth drug use?
Dr. Januli: Accessibility is key. When drugs are readily available, young people are more likely to experiment. Our recent studies reveal that adolescents can often obtain substances easily, whether it’s through peers or in their environments. It’s vital that we implement preventive measures, such as educational programs in schools, increased parental involvement, and community outreach, to combat this accessibility.
Editor: In light of this incident, what steps do you believe social services should take to protect youth from similar tragedies in the future?
Dr. Januli: First and foremost, we need to increase transparency regarding drug use and its dangers. For too long, these issues have been stigmatized. Social services should invest in outreach programs that educate both adolescents and their parents about the signs of drug use and available support systems. Additionally, we must advocate for policies that ensure better access to mental health and addiction services for youth.
Editor: The father of the deceased teenager has spoken publicly about the tragedy. How important do you think it is for families to share their experiences in these situations?
Dr. Januli: It is incredibly important. When families share their stories, it helps illuminate the real struggles that young people face. It can foster community discussions that lead to real change. We need to listen to these voices to better understand the complexities of youth drug use and to create a supportive environment for at-risk individuals.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Januli, for your insights and for addressing such a critical issue. We hope your words encourage action and awareness in our communities.
Dr. Januli: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we work together to prevent further tragedies. We owe it to our children and their futures.
Nuli: Social services must prioritize education and prevention. First, we need to enhance awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug use, targeting both parents and adolescents. Schools should integrate comprehensive drug education into their curriculums to inform young people about the risks and consequences. Additionally, we need more accessible and supportive resources for mental health services, as many young people may turn to substances as a coping mechanism for underlying issues. It’s also essential to foster strong community ties and support systems that engage teens in positive activities, steering them away from environments where drug use is prevalent. Collaboration between parents, schools, and local authorities is crucial to address this multifaceted issue effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Januli. Your insights are invaluable in understanding the broader implications of this tragedy. It’s clear that collective efforts are needed to ensure a safer environment for our youth.
