Be Aware of Drug Addiction!!

By neucrad health news desk, Written by Shubhra Adhikari, Edited by Dr. Subha Sarcar, PhD March 6, 2019

The drug addiction problem in India has taken an alarming turn, so much that in some states like Punjab, approximately 75 percent of young adults have fallen in this trap which is fast becoming a dangerous threat to the society. The situation in other big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad is no way better. There is also a growing index of substance abuse among the younger generation in these high- profile cities. Peer pressure, sky-mounting expectations from parents, and adolescent immaturity are the main triggers which lure youths into drugs. Although the local government, de-addiction forums, and social reformation centres are trying their bit to bring the situation under control, they are yet to  achieve desirable results so far. Based on its widespread nature, more NGOs should volunteer to reach out to people, especially the youth, and educate them about the catastrophic consequences of substance abuse. Continue reading to know more about the addiction problem in India and preventive measures which can be followed to stop this abuse.

What are drugs?

Drugs are chemical compounds which when taken in the body either by oral consumption or through intra-muscular injections leads to altered body functions- both physical as well as psychological. There are different types of drugs based on the nature and addictive phenomenon of these compounds. Prescription drugs are those medicines which individuals can obtain legally from the pharmacy and use it for regular-medical purposes. Compounds like mild doses of opioid painkillers, timulants, antidepressants, and mood-stabilisers fall under this category, although It may lead to dangerous consequences upon accidental overdose. [2]

There are another group of compounds which are potentially more addictive and have adverse effects on the human body. They are classified as illegal drugs and includes compounds like heroin, cocaine, methadone, bath salts, ecstasy, and marijuana. [2]

Difference between Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is a tendency among individuals where they use legal or illegal compounds in a way not recommended by Physicians. These people take more than the stipulated number of doses of specific medications to make them feel good or ease out stress. In some cases, people also use other’s prescription to obtain these drugs. However, such individuals, if recognized early and given proper guidance by experts, can slowly overcome this unhealthy habit by minimizing the doses over a period of time and eventually make a complete stop. [3]

Often unregulated drug or substance abuse leads to drug addiction where individuals lose control of themselves. After this point, it becomes difficult to stay away from these unhealthy compounds and often lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial loss. [3]

What effects do drugs have on the brain?

Human brain is wired in a way where a person wants to repeat the activities, which makes him/her feel good. Addictive drugs target this reward system in the brain and release sufficient quantity of a compound named ‘dopamine’. It gives immense pleasure to the addict, and the affected person keeps on introducing the unhealthy compounds to the body in spite of knowing all the drawbacks associated with it. Eventually, the person’s brain gets altered irreversibly and affects one’s decision making, memory, learning abilities, and judgement quality. [3]

Some Of The Initiatives Taken by State Government’s, to Fight Against Drug Abuse

The Government of India is very much concerned about the adverse effects of drug addiction among the youths and regularly undertake various schemes and policies for de-addicting and preventing the younger generation from falling prey to the substance abuse. Detailed below are few such initiatives taken by the local governments towards this effort. [4]

∙       The Haryana Government started a scheme called ‘Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse’ to improve the addiction scenario in the state. Here the Government offers financial assistance to NGOs and local bodies for rehabilitation service of addicts.

∙         Childhood Enhancement Through Training and Action is an NGO, also known as “CHETNA”, offers to empower street and working children in Delhi and neighbouring  states, so that these children don’t fall in the trap of substance abuse.

∙       Charitar Nirman Sewadar Trust inside the Tihar jail, is involved with de-addiction and social reformation service among the jail inmates. They came up with a startling fact that approximately 80 percent of the jail inhabitants have some sort of addiction like tobacco, smack, alcohol, or ganja and recommend that there is a need for appointing more counsellors in the jail to help the inmates come out of this unhealthy habit