What Kind Of Drug Abuse Among The Indian Youth Trending Now?

The drug-menace has woven itself deep into the fabric of our society. In Punjab alone, 75% of the youth are severely addicted to drugs; that is 3 out of every four very alarming children! Every day, more youngsters fall into the trap of drug addiction. A recent study suggests that young men between the ages of 15–35 take some form of drugs. With most drug users being in the productive age group of 15–35, the human potential loss is incalculable. The damage to the physical, psychological, moral, and intellectual growth is very high. The drug abuse problems may affect interpersonal relationships, instability in family, child abuse, economic insecurity, destitution from schooling, etc.

According to the UN, 1% to 3% of India’s population is dependent on drugs; compared to these numbers, European countries have very low drug dependency, with only 0.1% to 0.2% of its population. Punjab and North East sectors have the highest drug dependency in India. Two in every three households have drug addicts in Punjab, and in Manipur, Half of the families are affected by drug abuse. Punjab’s drug consumption average is three times more than the national average.

A drug is an element that, when released into the body, will create some a fallout. There are mainly two types of drugs, like Stimulants and Depressants. Stimulants can increase alertness and speed of reactions, heart rate, and blood pressure. Caffeine found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks is a type of legal stimulant. Cocaine is usually an illegal stimulant. Depressant slows down reaction time, decreases inhibitions, damaged brain cells, and relaxes users. It slows the users down. Alcohol and cannabis are common examples of depressants. The most commonly used drugs in India are Cannabis, Heroin, Opium, Hashish. According to a United Nations report, “1 million heroin addicts are registered in India, and unofficially there are as many as 5 million.” Another study found that 29% of the drug abuser was illiterates, and a significant number of them came from lower strata.

There are over 500 rehab centers across India to nurse addicts back into a healthy and productive lifestyle. There are many laws in India to restrict people from using drugs, and India’s constitution also prohibits the farming of Cannabis (Ganja). Cannabis (Ganja) is also illegally cultivated in many parts of India. Its farming happens in hilly areas of northern India.

Experts say, The 3-headed monster luring the youth towards addiction are; Peer Pressure, Adolescent Immaturity, Irresponsible Parenting. Presently, it is estimated that in India, around 7.21 Crore people are affected due to drugs. There are two main factors behind India’s drug problem are easy to supply and high demand. India’s geographical location plays a pivotal role in the supply of drugs as India is situated between two main Opium producing sectors Golden Triangle (Thailand, Laos & Myanmar) and Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan & Iran). Indian Pharmaceutical Industry is also responsible for the increased drug abuse in India.

Drug consumption causes many problems for drug users like multiple organ failure such as Heart, brain, and liver. It also makes drug users prone to other incurable diseases like Heart diseases, HIV, and Cancer. Mental illnesses and suicidal thoughts are also very common to drug abusers. Drugs can permanently disrupt the hormonal and nervous systems of its users.

Final Words

The 3-headed monster luring the youth towards addiction are; Peer Pressure, Adolescent Immaturity, Irresponsible Parenting. There are mainly 4 types of drugs used in India, such as Cannabis, Heroin, Opium, Hashish.

The drug-menace has woven itself deep into our society’s fabric as Indian youth is trapped in the dangerous claws of these drugs. India being the key market for drug smugglers as it lies between two huge mass Opium productive areas, i.e., Golden Triangle and Golden Crescent.