The harshest truth of drug epidemic painstakingly seeping into India’s social and cultural aspects is its harmful impact on our youth. India has the world’s largest youth population and drug mafia seems to be targeting out youth as the young ones are the most susceptible target of drugs.
Youth is the age for daredevilry and that’s when the young ones fall prey to bad habits and end up developing addictions. The fact that brain is not fully developed until a person is 25 reflects the immaturity of adolescents. Recent studies reveal the areas of the ‘still developing brain’ of an adolescent make them fall in the trap of drug or alcohol obsession.
The WHO survey reports that liquor consumption in Punjab is much higher in comparison to other states of India. The problem worsens as drugs enter the scene; a whopping Rs 5000 crore worth of illicit trafficking of drugs is done in Punjab state by unscrupulous and antisocial people every year!
The very first step towards eradication of a problem of such magnitude is the acknowledgement of problem, and we need to admit that the youth of India who carry on their shoulders the country’s moral, political, and social growth are deeply sunk into alcohol and drugs. Even the trends and data received from Akal Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Cheema, District Sangrur, Punjab, for the years 2010 to 2017, reveal that about 1/3rd of the addicts who come for treatment are less than 25 years of age.
We all can be a part of Drug de-addiction movement by observing the behavior of youth around us and reporting to their families in case they reflect symptoms like –
- Lack of care for their appearance
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Scars on arms or legs
- Marks of burn or stains on fingers or lips
- The unusual smell of smoke etc. on breath or on clothing
- Use of cardamom, fennel seeds, chewing gum, or mints to cover up your breath.
- Families too can notice their young ones’ behaviour and take quick treatment actions in the very initial stage. Parents should pay attention to –
- Behavioral change in dealing with family and friends
- Shrill behavior, mood swings, or emotionally volatile nature
- Laughing without reason
- Oddly awkward or fumbling
- Inadequate coordination or improper balance
All such behaviour patterns point to youth under the influence of drugs.
It is rightly said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Such problems will not occur if parents are cautious about their child’s habits in the adolescent years and keep a tap on his/her nicotine use. Generally, the first drug a young one starts is a cigarette or tobacco. Nicotine is known as the ‘Gateway’ drug of addiction and the first drug of initiation; which leads to further experimenting in the world of drugs namely marijuana, heroin, etc.
That doesn’t mean there is no hope for drug addicts! There are many successful stories of young drug addicts leading a normal life post-taking treatment in Akal Drug De-addiction Centre, Cheema in the Sangrur district of Punjab which is being run under the patronage of The Kalgidhar Trust. Every de-addicted youth from this center is a source of inspiration to many others. And that’s what Indian society needs today – hope more than criticism; support more than words!
Because youth are the future of a nation, this problem calls for a mass campaign and huge support from people to help the youth in the de-addiction phase. Let’s defeat drug abuse together.