SHONIMA MALHOTRA
Every year 15th of August India celebrates Independence Day to mark its freedom from British rule but I wonder are we free in the true sense of the term. Absolutely not. Undoubtedly, we have attained liberty from external constraints we are yet way back to unshackle ourselves from varied internal problems confronting our society, commonly termed as social problems.
The result is that though on one hand, we are heading towards progress and development, for e.g., in the technological front we have come miles ahead but on the other hand, our society is going towards deterioration as a result of these social problems. These problems are increasing at such an alarming rate that they can no longer be neglected; rather these have become a matter of great concern for the common man as well as for the administration.
As a result, different initiatives have been taken by different departments of the government to deal effectively with these societal issues such as Cyber Awareness Campaign, Drug Free India Campaign – just to name a few.
One of the dominant problems being perceived in our society in the present scenario is the problem of ‘Drug Addiction’. Drug addiction has become a grave situation in the present times. In fact, it is emerging as a serious matter in our country, particularly among the youngsters resulting in the hazardous consequences not just for the person consuming drugs, but for the family and society at large.
Drug addiction is a harrowing journey that can lead individuals down a dark path, often characterized by pain, desperation, and a loss of control. This journey often begins as a search for an escape from reality. Whether it is through substance abuse or self medication individuals find solace in the temporary relief that drugs provide. Once addiction takes root, the journey becomes treacherous, gradually leading to the descent of the individuals into the deadly abyss.
Drug is usually defined as a substance which has physiological and mental effects on the body of the individual consuming it. At the initial stage an individual may start consuming drugs owing to reasons like curiosity/experimentation, prescription by a doctor, peer pressure etc.
This is followed by the stage of drug abuse i.e., misuse of drugs. With the passage of time the tolerance of one’s body towards drug usage increases and hence starts the proliferation of the dose of drug consumption. Gradually, comes the stage of drug dependence and this state of drug dependence finally culminates into the state of drug addiction. This state is a critical situation because it is extremely difficult for an individual to revert back from here to a normal life.
There are multiple varied reasons responsible for drug addiction which may be broadly categorised into three categories : Physiological causes (genetic reasons, relief of pain and stress, to gain increased physical strength and energy and to induce sleep);Psychological causes (Curiosity/Experimentation, boredom, negligence of parents, depression, poor self- esteem, to escape from pressures and conflicts of life) and Social causes (financial burdens and difficulties, socio-civilization culture, for being acceptable to friends, high level competition, urge to join high society, low cost and easy access to drugs, peer group influence, poor criminal justice system).
The symptoms of drug addiction can again be divided into three major categories: Physical symptoms which include surge to use drugs regularly and large intake of drugs, not maintaining personal hygiene, headaches, feeling tired, weight changes, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, bloodshot eyes, paleness, irritated skins; Psychological Symptoms such as intense craving for the drugs regularly, mental health problems, mood swings, irritability, being argumentative, inability to deal with stress, thought blocking, loss of rationalizing power; Behavioural Symptoms including secretive behaviour, withdrawal from loved ones, loss of interest in hobbies, absenteeism from school and job, poor academic and job performance, spending excessive money on purchase of drugs.
Drug addiction has a detrimental effect on individuals and various institutions of society. It not only leads to tragic dependence of its consumers on them causing their physical, mental and moral decline but also to depletion of their potentiality.
To add further it even results in the damage of human relations, wastage of huge amount of money on drugs and enhancement of criminal activities for procurement and sale of drugs. So, it cannot be denied that this is a major problem which needs to be dealt with uttermost seriousness.
There are various treatment measures for drug abuse and drug addiction including Psychotherapy that develops healthier behaviours and thinking patterns, CBT that builds coping skills and provides positive reinforcement, medication to ease withdrawal symptoms, hospitalization, support of various groups like family, peer group, teachers etc. Besides, many rehabilitation centres have also been established for the support of drug abusers and drug addicts.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (India) has been enacted to deal legally with this problem. In addition to this, World No Tobacco Day and International Day Against Drug abuse and Illicit Trafficking are celebrated every year on 31st May and 26th June respectively to generate awareness regarding this problem.
In spite of all these available treatment and rehabilitation measures, each day the percentage of drug abusers and drug addicts is accelerating.
The present situation is a clear indication that certainly our future is in dismay. But if concentrated upon appropriately, the individuals, their families and other institutions of the society can be saved from destruction.
Drug abusers and addicts need to be made aware that drug consumption is no way to flaunt style. Rather, getting in the claws of death can ruin their precious lives because it is easy to get into this whirlpool but extremely difficult, at times, impossible to get out of it.
Despite having ample money, lacking the health to enjoy that money makes that money useless. So, instead of getting distracted by the life -threatening drugs they should learn to cope with craving for drugs in healthy ways, remove addictive substances from their homes, pick a clear and specific goal, understand relapses may happen and they are not a failure.
Simply being desirous of ‘Drug Free India’ would not suffice. It is high time we all shake hands and fight against this problem unitedly and contribute our parts to make ‘Drug Free India Campaign’ victorious in its aim of making India Drug Free. No doubt, it is hard to make such people understand, but as aptly said, “Where there is a will, there is a way.
“Drug consumers need to be oriented on the issue of drug addiction. They need to be realised that ‘Drugs cost you more than just money. Drugs would change you to someone you would never want to be. So, Stop and say no to drugs.’
Let’s take a pledge to overcome addiction of any form that may impact our lives as normal.
(The author is Assistant Professor of Sociology GDC Sidhra, Jammu).