Today young generation of our country is in the grip of drug addiction. Drugs doesn’t differenciate between rich and poor. The parents of nearly all young addicts never imagined that their sons or daughters could fall victims to this dangerous vice.
We all thought that drug addiction was an evil of the West. It is here now—right in our midst. You have a chance to save others and yourself through awareness and knowledge of the hazards of Drug Addiction.
Heroin, Smack, Cocaine, Hashish, Marijuana, LSD, Bhang etc. are the gravely dangerous drugs that are degrading young people and destroying their health, welfare and life.
Tranquilizers and sedatives available as chemicals are also highly addictive in nature and should not be taken without specific & reliable medical advice.
Nobody takes to drugs in order to become an addict. They are usually taken in order to escape from problems that are either real or imaginary. Lack of parental love at home, impaired and tense relationships between parents and dictatorial handling of children have been traced out as significant root causes.
Most drug addicts are male, but there are several girls hooked on the drug too. Most girls on the drug are persuaded by their boy friends to try it. Few try it out of frustration.
Beware of Drug peddlars who usually operate from ‘Joints’ which are mainly in the economically backward area.
In schools and colleges, beware of friends who call you by names for not indulging in their ‘pastimes’. Never accept cigarettes from them—these may contain drugs. A few strong puffs are enough and you can become a hopeless addict. Be wise and learn to say NO. Always remember your friends are in a trap and they want you trapped too!
The addicts display anti-authority behaviour, socially deviant behaviour, suffer from depression, harbour suicidal thoughts which may initially lead to threats and sometimes to action. They also indulge in manipulative behaviour and compulsive lying.
Provided the motivation to give up is strong enough. Giving up the drug is easy but staying away needs tremendous will power. And medication alone is not enough. It must be combined with love, understanding, patience and prayer. Please bear in mind, no addict can be forced (physically or emotionally) to give up his drugs. Force only catalyses disaster. You should consult a psychotherapist/psychiatrist. He would resort to psychotherapy as a follow-up measure extending about
4-6 months.
Cure is not possible without parental participation and faith in God. Mere hospitalisation is not the answer. Religion therapy and family therapy provide the best results. Please do not force the child into a hospital. It can do more harm than good.
Types of Medical Treatment
- ❑ Motivation.
- ❑ Detoxification (withdrawal of drugs).
- ❑ Supportive psychotherapy counselling by experts.
- ❑ Family therapy, group therapy and religion therapy.
- ❑ Rehabilitation facilitated through narcotics anonymous group, halfway homes or live in centres.
- ❑ Day Care Centres.
- Drug Awareness at Community Level
- ❑ At college campus celebrations organisers should ensure that freedom is not misused.
- ❑ Indulgence in addictive drinks/drugs during festivals should be avoided. It can easily make an ex-addict revert back to drugs.
- ❑ Teachers in schools should allocate a certain period in a week for talking to students on the hazards of Drug Addiction.
- ❑ Posters and messages in Society Notice Boards of residential buildings can be effective.
- ❑ Organise Work-shop sessions in your neighbourhood with the help of Narcotherapists/psychotherapists/social workers.
- ❑ Law enforcing agents at all levels should be committed and more vigilant.
A strong religious base combined with strong family ties and high morals can help wrench out this evil from our society. Both, preventive and rehabilitation procedures depend strongly on these factors.
More than ever before, India’s future depends on the strength and dynamism of its youth. In a fast-changing world accelerated by new advances only a dynamic exuberant generation can put India on a strong footing. Save youth from drugs, save India.