Drug abuse and the future
Nadeem Bhat
New Delhi
Wed, 16 May 2007: May 16: Child is the future of every nation. It is the investment which a man makes to secure his as well his country??s future at large. But it has been very unfortunate for the whole world that this carrier of generations is getting deteriorated due to number of risks which he confronting.
Among theany fatal risks like violence, and HIV/AIDS, which the youth of today is facing, the risk of drug abuse stands out to be the most dangerous and prominent.
We see not only youth, but also children of primary school level practicing much fatal exercises on the name drug abuse.
The use of all illicit drugs or the inappropriate use of licit drugs is considered drug abuse.
Research has shown that the key risk periods for drug abuse occur during major transitions in children??s lives. These transitions include significant changes in physical development (for example, puberty) or social situations (such as moving or parents divorcing) when children experience heightened vulnerability for problem behaviors.
The first big transition for children is when they leave the security of the family and enter school. Later, when they advance from elementary school to middle or junior high school, they often experience new academic and social situations, such as learning to get along with a wider group of peers and having greater expectations for academic performance. It is at this stage??early adolescence??that children are likely to encounter drug abuse for the first time.
No society or country for that matter can afford to see its future burning to ashes due to abuse of drugs. India is also having grave problem of drug abuse among its blooming buds. With major portion of the country being BPL dominant, it creates an ample platform for the children indulging in drug abuse.
The increasing number of slums is doing no good India??s cause. Wife battering, child marriage, alcoholic parents and child labor are all what one can see in such settings. Drug abuse with no surprise comes automatically to their children.
Leaving the lower class aside even the upper class is finding it hard to confront with the nuisance of drug abuse. The insecurity about themselves and ineptness to cope with the pressure of life is seen to be one of the main reasons for the younger generations to switch on to drugs. The roar of escapism is all what it accounts for and ultimately leaving the most precious element of existence under the threat of extinction.
One feels it is now or never for an individual to shoulder his responsibility to curb this process of self destruction. After all we have to save our own kind. Responding to these risks before they become unconquerable problems can be difficult but it certainly is not impossible. Many NGO??S are working extensively on this important issue, but still extra efforts are required. Goal should be to help the public understand the causes of drug abuse and to prevent its onset as it has serious consequences in our homes, schools, and communities.
Government needs to put its foot on acceleration to run a successful campaign against drug abuse. There should be more and more free counseling centers as well as rehabilitation centers, where the youth are helped out of drug abuse. Also the Govt. needs to be strict in its approach to stop the chemists to ensure this malpractice.
Prevention science has made great progress in recent years. Many prevention interventions are being tested in ??real-world? settings so they can be more easily adapted for community use. Scientists are studying a broader range of populations and topics. They have identified, for example, effective interventions with younger populations to help prevent risk behaviors before drug abuse occurs.
Researchers are also studying older teens that are already using drugs to find ways to prevent further abuse or addiction. Practical issues, such as cost-benefit analyses, are being studied. Presenting these findings and consequences to the public is one of the most important responsibilities of NGO??S and government officials and never does exclude any responsible citizen.