The world is facing an alarming rise of drug abuse among the youngsters in recent years. No country is free from this and it is fast spreading in every corner of the world. Unfortunately, India is also in the grip of drugs menace.
Reports about teens being held for consuming drugs are heart-breaking. But the important question is, why and how the Indian society is experiencing such a situation that many of our teenagers and youths are involved in unethical and unproductive activities like substance or drug abuse?
According to a recent study conducted by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the common drug-abuse among children and adolescents are tobacco and alcohol, followed by cannabis and inhalants.It is estimated that, in India, by the time most boys reach ninth grade, 50% of them have tried at least one of the substances of the abusive nature.
According to another report from International Journal of Medical Research and Review (IJMRR), 13.1% of the people involved in drug and substance abuse in India, are below 20 years. The survey shows that of all alcohol, cannabis and opium users 21%, 3% and 0.1% are below the age of eighteen.
Emerging trends:
It’s not just the above substances but the list of current trends is frightening and shocking. Let’s take a look;
- Alcohol extracted from hand sanitizer – recently in California, half-a-dozen teens have found themselves in emergency rooms as the result of drinking alcohol extracted from hand sanitizers. This self-made moonshine had a dangerous 60 percent alcohol content.
- Baking spices – for example large quantities of nutmeg, contains myristicin, a natural compound known to cause hallucinations and euphoria when taken in large doses.
- Digital drugs– These are digital audio files that are proven to alter the brainwaves and disrupt the mental state of listeners, essentially producing the same effects as narcotics.
- Spice/K2 – Spice and K2 are two names for synthetic marijuana, which producers create by spraying herbs with cannabinoid chemicals.
- MDMA – MDMA is a drug also known by names like ecstasy and Molly. Ecstasy can also come in the form of tablets that look like candy, which can make it appealing to teens.
- Hallucinogens– Hallucinogens include drugs like LSD, also known as “acid.” Hallucinogens also include the magic mushroom drug.
- Bath salts– are one dangerous teenage substance addiction trend. It is available online so it’s a good idea to be wary of what your teens are ordering.
- Cough syrup– another way teenis getting high from the active ingredients like dextromethorphan (DXM).
- Tampons – This strange trend involves teenagers dipping tampons into hard alcohol such as vodka and then using them.
- Potpourris – This fragrant spice and flower mixture that is often found in the bathroom at Grandma’s house is being smoked by teens.
- Air conditioners – A current trend involves teens prying open the machines with screwdrivers and smoking the Freon that gives air conditioners their cooling ability. The results are slurred speech, frostbite, and even brain damage.
- Dust Off (keyboard cleaner)- “Dusting” in the substance abuse world is snorting the gas of keyboard dusters to get high.
- Whip-Its – which are basically any aerosol spray cans of whipped cream, are an easy way for teens to get their hands-on nitrous oxide. This substance causes a high that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, but it can be dangerous if taken in large doses.
How do they get there?
They are at a stage in life where they are struggling to develop a strong, healthy self-image in the rapidly changing world. They face pressures from their parents, their schools, their jobs, and social media. Unfortunately, many young adults turn to substance use and destructive ways of thinking as coping methods and theyoften don’t see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. Some of the reasons are;
- Peer pressure and social influence
- Trend setters among peers by raising the bar of substance and drug abuse
- Escapismfrom facing issues.
- Academic or performance pressure
- Coping with trauma, anxiety, depression or another underlying mental health issue
- Media influences: Studies show that teens who watch movies that depict smoking or alcohol consumption are more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves.
- Blindly following their favorite heroes from movies or other fields.
- To be ‘cool’ on social medias which is another blind addiction of youth.
- Easy availability etc.
How can we identify whether the teen is under substance abuse?
Drug use is associated with a variety of negative consequences, including increased risk of serious drug use later in life, school failure, and poor judgment which may put teens at risk for accidents, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide. It is always better to be alert and vigilant to identify anyone around and to help them at the earliest to overcome before it is too late. A few symptoms they generally show include;
- Physical: Fatigue, repeated health complaints, red and glazed eyes, and a lasting cough.
- Emotional: personality change, sudden mood changes, irritability, irresponsible behavior, low self-esteem, poor judgment, depression, and a general lack of interest, Lying, especially about their activities, suicidal tendencies.
- Family: starting arguments, breaking rules or withdrawing from the family.
- Academical: decreased interest, negative attitude, drop in grades, many absences, truancy, and discipline problems, giving up activities they used to enjoy such as sports, music etc.
- Social: new friends who are less interested in standard home and school activities, problems with the law, and changes to less conventional styles in dressing and lifestyle, talking a lot about using drugs or alcohol to friends or classmates.
The symptoms of substance abuse may resemble other medical problems or psychiatric conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Why is overcoming Addiction so difficult?
There are many obstacles in the way of overcoming addiction, some of these can include;
- Fear of failure: It is never easy to let go of a chemical substance that the body has come to depend on. Triggers can happen which will compel them to take it again.
- Unwillingness to embrace a substance-free life: Maintaining permanent lifestyle changes to avoid drug use is a challenge. A strong support system of family, friends, and/or others in recovery can help.
- Denial: Many people are so blinded and clouded by their drug use that they are unable to accept the fact that the drug is destroying every area of their lives.
- Not knowing where to turn for help: Finding and paying for the right treatment—for as long as it is needed.
- Seeing no other hope in life.
How to save our youth from these abuses and addictions?
- Strict rules and Laws for regulation of such substance use and availability needs to be implemented.
- Availability and sale restrictions
- Restricting or banning of advertising substances
- Mass media or public awareness campaigns
- Preventive interventions delivered in educational settings
- Preventive interventions delivered for family or parents
Together with prevention, some of the treatmentsfor problematic substance users includes:
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Self-help interventions
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Family-based treatments and multisystemic therapy
- Pharmacotherapy and medication.
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