Multipronged approach needed to nip evil in the bud, says expert

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 25

Peer pressure and easy availability is pushing youngsters to the dark alleys of drugs.

Experts believe a multipronged approach is needed to prevent this problem. The Ludhiana Tribune team tried talking to two students who fell into the trap and their attempt to recover.

Case 1: When a 20-yr-old got pulled into drug quagmire

He is in his late 20s and pursuing postgraduation at Chandigarh. He first took cannabis on a friend’s suggestion at his college hostel. He took it the second time to stave off tension and he doesn’t know when he was pulled into the middle of the quagmire.

“There was a bit of pressure of studies and break up with girlfriend in college and my friend suggested me to try cannabis. I used to feel good as it relieved my tension. I also started trying heroin. Taking drugs is considered cool in hostels and I used to feel cool as part of the group. My friends used to give drugs free to me. I had heard about the condition of being addicted, but felt I was in control and could leave it any time I wanted to. But before I realised, I was hooked. I started feeling a strong craving for it and my body developed a kind of need for it. Friends, too, started seeking money for it,” he said.

“My attention was diverted to taking drugs and I started feeling desperate. I would tremble and my stomach used to get upset until I had drugs. So much that I wanted to either kill myself or others if I didn’t get a dose. I found myself helpless,” he said.

“Then someone told me about medical help. I tried medicine and felt a bit relieved. I have come to reside at this rehabilitation retreat because it is difficult to stay away from drugs staying in hostel and they don’t let you stay away,” he said.

“Here, I workout in the morning and am getting back to my old routine with the help of daily counselling,” he said, adding that his parents were not aware about his condition. He said the condition of hostels is bad, as at least 7 in 10 students in hostels in Chandigarh have become addicted to drugs. “But there is lack of awareness that medication is available. I will bring my friends also who are addicted now,” he said.

Case 2: When a topper got trapped in drugs

He was a topper in his class in a professional college and was performing well. He just went to a party, where drug were being distributed. He didn’t know much about it, but just tried for fun as other “cool” people were also enjoying them during the party. “It felt great and I felt very light headed,” he said.

He remained in touch with those people and started taking drugs. Before he knew, he was in the grip of drugs. He started suffering bipolar disorder and started becoming overanxious unless he had drugs. Studies suffered and his performance started to go down. He tried concealing it, but the radical shift in behaviour made his parents realise there was something seriously wrong. When they found about the problem, they sought help from a rehabilitation centre. Only after having been through a process of detoxification therapy for over a year and given mood balancer medications he has started to recover. “Now, I kind of hate and dislike drug takers. At one time I used to feel they are so cool, but now I feel sorry for them. Drugs just wreck lives,” he said. “I wish there is more awareness about the problems it can cause so that people don’t fall in this trap,” he added.

“The number of patients with more serious addictions is more now than it was 10 years ago. People are on harder types of drugs. Earlier, we used to have cases of use of corex, poppy or opium, which used to have limited intoxicants. But now, chemical drugs are much stronger and cause a much faster and stronger addiction and the de-addiction process takes long,” said Dr Ravinder Kala, a city-based psychologist.

"Open discussions about the issue are the need of the hour. We need to know the inner feelings of youngsters so that they listen and become aware about the consequences. Lectures never help and students often feel annoyed when they are lectured about such issues. If they are made aware of the consequences, they can take better decisions," she says.

Psychologist's take

"As youngsters are getting into addiction because they feel taking drugs is cool, there is a need to make them realise that there are much better alternatives to have fun and drug taking is not fun." Dr Ravinder Kala, city-based psychologist 

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Youngsters from the city aired their views on the menace of drugs in the state. According to them, whatever has been shown in 'Udta Punjab' is close to reality. They feel the government must take strict action against this and prevent the menace. Here is what they have to say: 

"Whatever has been shown in the film is close to reality and the state is earning a bad name for it. The government must make efforts to stop drug addiction. People outside the state have started equating it with drug abuse, which is ignominious for people and youngsters here." Tarandeep Singh, a city resident

"It is sad, but it is a reality. What is shown in the movie is unfortunately the true picture of what is happening in the state. The government needs to plug holes, stop illicit trade and trafficking of drugs and salvage the state from this dire crisis." Jaswant Singh, a city resident

"Before I came for studies here, my aunt asked me why I wanted to come here as the state has a huge drug problem. Now, with 'Udta Punjab', the entire country knows about the 'ground reality'. It is a very sad state of affairs." Shehbaaz, a student

"I am from Bihar and am pursuing engineering from here. The government must prevent this and take strict action against the menace. My seniors at college say the drug trade shown in 'Udta Punjab' is a real picture of the state. I wish the enforcement agencies take a coordinated action to stop this menace which is destroying the youth of the state." Avinash, a student

"The problem of drug addiction shown in 'Udta Punjab' is a great humiliation for the state. Action needs to be taken at all levels so that youths don't even go near drugs. Even liquor shops need to shut down as these also cause a form of addiction." Abhishek, a student