The menace of Drug abuse eating us from within!
By: MooL Raj
The problem of drug and substance abuse is getting worse as it spreads broadly and rapidly assumes the characteristics of an epidemic. One could argue that our government and the society as a whole have failed to prevent the rising drug addiction among young people. The results of current studies and surveys paint a bleak picture. If things are allowed to spiral out of control, J&K could face similar dire circumstances as other locations outside.
The magnitude of the issue can be understood by the fact that those who are seeking assistance for themselves or because of their families merely represent the very tip of an iceberg. There is a sizable group of drug users who are not publicly visible in the community for a variety of reasons. We might be saddened by the loss of a generation if an appropriate policy is not implemented to stop this threat. While there are practically daily instances of drug dealers being apprehended, the drug network as a whole is not just these few puppets. We are aware that drug addiction frequently results in drug sales, which feeds the problem.
Therefore, the entire deeply ingrained network must be destroyed. We are aware that drug usage has grown significantly over the past few years and is quickly proving harmful to society by leading to decline in physical health, mental health, and intellectual capacity. Additionally, this has led to higher rates of sickness and death, criminality, diminished productivity, and the waste of the young generation’s economic potential.
Drug addiction actually has a significant influence on the economy because it diverts resources from other areas, such as employment, health care, and education, to law enforcement, drug legislation, and other initiatives focused on drug enforcement. Similar to how driving while intoxicated affects perception, attention, cognition, coordination, and response time, it has an adverse effect on public safety and increases the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, drug abuse raises crime and violence levels in society. Here, too, society is failing to address the issue.
The various family and social elements that contribute to this problem are not being properly addressed. In the fast-paced world of today, some family heads appear to lose track of their children, who finally end up in the wrong hands.
Less communication among family members while balancing a hectic and stressful life is also adding to the problem rather than helping to solve it. The parents no longer receive an immediate indication of what their children are doing. As soon as they realize it is too late for them. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular family connections. Drug addicts exhibit certain signs, which, if quickly recognized by the family, may be of some use in enabling prompt action.
Teachers in schools, colleges, and universities are required to inform parents of any strange behaviour they observe in their children. Such a duty applies to friends and family as well. Drug addicts need to receive appropriate counseling and rehabilitation. Instead of demonizing them, which can backfire, we should try to motivate them to stop doing drugs.
Above all, efforts should be made at the local, state, community, and native levels to lessen the mounting anger and stress among youth. In order to prevent people from becoming disheartened after finishing their education and obtaining their degrees, more work options must be generated. The youth must also understand that life has its ups and downs.
Failures and disappointments should be dealt with patiently and with strategies and goals that are focused on getting results rather than giving in to drug addiction. Drug addiction causes young people to suffer psychologically, physically, and emotionally. It also traumatizes their family on a mental and emotional level. As stated previously, drug abuse causes crimes like theft and robbery.
Therefore, the appropriate authorities should also take routine crimes seriously and investigate whether there is any relationship between such instances and a drug addiction issue. The government and society both have a part to play in putting a stop to the drug addiction crisis. If not, the future will be worse for youngsters, their families, and society as a whole.
The author is a columnist and freelance writer
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
