Drugs have been in the limelight of the Indian media for a while now and in its press release on 25 June 2020, the United Nations stated- “Around 269 million people used drugs worldwide in 2018, which is 30 percent more than in 2009, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders, according to the latest World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Rising unemployment and reduced opportunities caused by the pandemic are also likely to disproportionately affect the poorest, making them more vulnerable to drug use and also to drug trafficking and cultivation in order to earn money, the report says.”
The report further said that Cannabis was the most used substance worldwide in 2018, with an estimated 192 million people using it worldwide. Drug use increased far more rapidly among developing countries over the 2000-2018 period than in developed countries. Adolescents and young adults account for the largest share of those using drugs, while young people are also the most vulnerable to the effects of drugs because they use the most and their brains are still developing.
Indian youth contributes largely to it and therefore, every year on 2nd October, National Anti-Drug Addiction Day is celebrated to make our country free from drug usage and preserve young minds. It not only affects the individual but also society as a whole.
What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a condition in which people reach such a level, that functioning without the consumption of drugs seems impossible to them. People usually start with it in order to have ‘fun’, due to peer pressure or out of curiosity. But once they start with it, there is no turning back and there is a constant urge that makes a person do it again and again. Repeated use of drugs is known as drug abuse and it can majorly affect one’s brain.
How Can It Affect?
The National Health Portal (NHP) of India states ways in which the consumption of drugs can affect a person. It can cause:
- Health problems
- Memory disorders
- Difficulty in balancing and walking
- Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Liver disease, epilepsy, and increased risk of cancer
- Low blood sugar, high blood pressure, and cholesterol level
- Heart disease
- Decreased immunity
- Interference with reproductive fertility
Behavioral and Psychological Changes
- Drop-in performance at the workplace
- Loss of interest and suspicious behaviors
- Violent attitude
- Change in personality
Social effects
Drug addicts face problems in their social as well in personal lives. They are likely to engage in anti-social activities.
Financial Loss
Drug addicts beg, borrow, or steal money to satisfy their quest.
Overcoming Addiction
Drug consumption is a trap but managing to make your way out of it is still possible. With proper treatment and support, one can be pulled out of the trap. Here are some of the ways as suggested by NHP, which can help a drug addict get over his/her condition:
- Give emotional support: With emotional support drug addicts can recover faster.
- Cultivate Strong will: Decide that you want to make a change and stop taking drugs. Be honest with yourself and with your efforts.
- Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation involves psychotherapy, counseling, and addressing various aspects of your life including personal and professional life.
There are many rehab centers where you can contact for help. - Join a support group: When you interact with people who have a similar problem, their stories and experiences will encourage you in speedy recovery.
- Stay away from addicts: Change your social circle if people misguide you to such temptation.
- Get involved in activities: Get involved in creative and recreational activities such as playing games, setting new goals, meditation, and yoga.
- Social Support: Connect with family and friends and involve yourself in social activities. Social groups also have a responsibility to help addicts.
Therefore, drug abuse is a curse to the Indian youth as well as others. Parents too have a major role to play. They should talk about its hazardous effects on their children, once they reach an age where they are likely to be exposed to such a world. Drug addicts too can change their lives, because it is never too late to take a step. As it is rightly said, “Where there is a will, there is a way”, now is the time to choose the right way and get your life back on track.
