An alarming situation

Drug addiction among youth poses a grave challenge to us as a society

In the recent past, the rate of drug addiction and drug dependence among the youth of valley has rapidly increased. Be it in schools, colleges or tuition centers the use of different kinds of drugs is ruining the life of the young people. Drug addicts often begin with small doses of using drugs and then become dependent over time. In some cases, drugs may have been initially prescribed to treat a medical condition ( e. g. pain medication). This normal and safe use can sometimes develop into abuse and dependence. Compulsive drug use may be triggered by: ƒÜ A family history of addiction ( addictive personalities may be genetic, and watching family members, abuse substances can make drugs seem more normal or desirable).

• Living in an environment where illegal drugs are frequently used and easy to access.
• A history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions According to the National Institutes of Health, drug users typically pass through certain stages on the way to drug dependence: ƒÜ People use drugs for recreation.
• Drugs are taken infrequently and in social settings.
• They start using drugs on a regular basis, often abandoning family and friends in favor of drug use. They become concerned about losing access to drugs.
• They become addicted to drugs and preoccupied with getting access to them. They may abandon most or all of their previous interests and relationships.
• They become dependent on drugs and unable to live without them. Their physical and mental health deteriorates.

It can be difficult to differentiate the symptoms of dependence and the symptoms of addiction. Both conditions are characterized by a preoccupation with drugs, secretive behavior, and avoidance of activities and relationships that were once important. Drug addicts may also neglect their appearance and may suffer extreme fluctuations in weight . It came as a shock for me when I came to know that one of my cousins, who recently qualified his matriculation exams, is a drug dependent. His behavior from the past one year was very strange. He used to spend most of his time alone or out of his home with other boys of his colony. His father once took him to the doctor because his eyes were red continuously and he lost interest in school. We could not imagine that someone in our family could be a drug addict until one day he fell unconscious in his home and his parents called me. When I reached there, I saw his face was pale blue and after he was stable, I took him to the separate room where I talked to him very intimately, and he confessed that he has been talking some medicine from past one year.

I also talked to one of his friends, who is a well- mannered boy, his father is running a medical shop, and he helps his father most of the times. He told me that my cousin used to call him and ask about that particular medicine at least thrice a week and he even showed me the SMS he had received from him. I talked to his parents then and told them everything and all the other precautions they needed to take to save their only child. He was not totally lost because he was willing to come back to his normal life and that was a very good sign for him and for everyone in our family. We sent him for counseling where the counselors helped him and after some successful completion of few tests we then decided to send him to some place where he could be far from the bad company he was living in. Therefore, we sent him on the religious tour for ten days.

When he was back, he was very changed, his face glowing, and the smile back on his face; this made his parents feel immensely good.

He then got an admission in one of the best schools in Srinagar, and he is now living a normal life.

There are many teenagers in our valley who are suffering from this destructive disease. Every parent must keep an eye on their children about each activity they are involved in. In my research about the drug addiction and drug abuse among the teenagers of our valley, I found the students from eighth to twelfth standard are mainly involved in drug abuse and drug dependence. We know how the life style of the new generation is. I have also seen many parents complaining of ill behavior of their children, they even resort to scolding, but un the end that later proves counterproductive. Parents can reduce the possibility of their wards experiencing drug problems in a number of ways.

• Foster a close and trusting relationship with your child from an early age and support and encourage positive behavior.
• Educate your child more and more about our religion.
• Encourage a healthy approach to life including good foods, regular exercise and sports.
• Encourage your child to have more than one group of friends.
• Allow your child to practice responsibility and develop good decision- making skills from an early age.
• Keep yourself informed about drugs and educate your child on the dangers of drug use. Do not exaggerate or make information up.
• Have open and honest discussions about drugs.

In my research, I also found that many teens try cigarettes, drugs or even alcohol only a few times and stop. Others cannot control their urges or cravings for them. This is substance abuse. Teens may use a substance for many reasons. They may do it because they want to vie with friends, and it makes them look like grown up. In addition, teens tend to try new things and take new risks, so they may take drugs because it seems exciting.

Substance abuse can lead to serious problems such as poor schoolwork, loss of friends, problems at home, and lasting legal problems. Even casual use of certain drugs can cause severe health problems, such as an overdose or brain damage.

Many illegal drugs today are made in home labs, so they can vary greatly in strength. These drugs also may contain bacteria, dangerous chemicals, and other unsafe substances.

The parents need to understand the situation if they suspect that their child is using drugs. As such, there are no specifications or behaviors that can tell you that your child is definitely using drugs. Uncharacteristic behaviors such as mood swings, a drop in school performance, different friends and a changed appearance may indicate drug use, but they could also indicate other issues that are not related to drugs. If you suspect your child is using drugs do not react impulsively, give yourself time to think. Resist the urge to snoop or search your child’s room or belongings for evidence.

Research drugs so that you have the facts and then raise your concerns calmly with your child when you both feel relaxed. If your child is taking drugs, don’t issue ultimatums instead try to educate your child on the health and lifestyle risks. You may have to accept that an older teenager will not stop taking drugs so easily. There is an immense need to handle the situation very carefully, consult the nearby drug de- addiction centre, and try to give maximum amount of time to your child. Make them feel that you are with them and you will together find the solution of this problem. In short, make them willing to fight against the urge of taking drugs. Don’t let them feel alone because it gives them a feeling that they have no one to care and they start taking drugs as their bodies tremble and crave for that particular drug.

If you suspect your child is using drugs do not react impulsively, give yourself time to think.

WASIM RASOOL wasimsoft123@ gmail. com