Drug Addiction- A growing social concern
‘Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven.’ -Donald Lyn Frost
By: Dr.Rohi
In our society there have always been individuals who use drugs in ways that are not medically as well as socially approved. Drug addiction, the socially non- sanctioned use of a drug, is universal and mayvary from culture to culture and from time to time within agiven culture.
Drug addiction is intoxication which gradually grows into a chronicsituation and is detrimental to the individual as well as the society. A normal human being may become a drug addict by frequently and consistently consuming drugs, either natural or synthetic which finally becomes an addiction. Addiction causes a person to take drugs repeatedly, despite the harm they cause. The repeated use of some drugs can cause a psychological dependence, in which the effects of the drug on the conditions associated with its use are felt by the user to be necessary for his state of emotional wellbeing. The intensity of the dependence may vary from a mild inclination to use the drug to a strong craving or compulsion to use it. Severe psychological dependence may result in a type of behaviour characterized by a preoccupation with the procurement and use of the drug.
The widespread addiction of drugs has become a human tragedy throughout the world. This is therefore a global phenomenon. It is also receiving increasing attention in Kashmir. In Kashmir the problem has now spread like an epidemic. Kashmir which was once known as ‘pir vaer’ has no longer remain the same. In Kashmir drug addiction is not only the problem of urban localities but it perforates the spheres of rural areas as well. It has invaded the home, the workplace and educational institutions affecting the individuals of all ages and classes, mainly the younger generation of all the classes.
Most researchers suggest that children that fall in the age group of 15-25 are more involved in the menace of drug addiction which include both males as well as females. A recent report by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre in AIIMS revealed that over six lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir are victims of drug abuse. The common drugs used by the drug addicts in Kashmir are Cannabis, Brown sugar, Heroine, alcohol, intravenous drugs, Petrill, inhalants like Fevicol, Thinner, SR solutions, Shoe Polish, Paint Varnish, Diapers and Dirty Socks. The alarming rise of this menace in Kashmir leads the academicians and experts to comment that ‘we have lost one generation to bullets and we may lose another generation to drugs’.
Addiction to drugs can be genetic, environmental as well as psychological. Drug addiction poses a threat to societies everywhere. An individual addicted to drugs is a great threat to himself as well as to the family and society. when one member of the family is addicted to drugs, it may be the cause of disruption and disharmony with the family and every family member suffers. Addiction to drugs spoils a number of human lives and also destroys the golden periods of lives. Lack of Parental monitoring and supervision, lack of religious concern, peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs and stress can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug addiction. Like other chronic disease, drug addiction is also treatable.
An addict can undergo a complete medical and psychological evaluation by the experts. It is the responsibility of every member of society to mark the end to addiction and help the youngsters by not being judgmental. Society should stop thinking of addicts as addicts and start thinking of them as people with addictions. If a person with an addiction has a supportive environment and social support, their chances of recovery are much better. A welcoming society would make a huge difference in how people with addictions are able to make progress in their lives.
Stand against drug addiction. Together let us ensure everyone lives in a good physical as well as mental state.
The author has a Ph.D. in Psychology and can be reached at [email protected]
