Peer pressure, transit via border main causes of drug problem: Author

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 6

Dr Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University, today released a book titled ‘Dynamics of Drug Addiction and Abuse in India’, authored by Prof RS Ghuman, Professor of Eminence at GNDU, Dr Jatinder Singh and Dr Gurinder Kaur. The book, published by Routledge, UK, was unveiled today in the conference hall of Guru Nanak Bhavan, GNDU.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor pointed out that though the problem of drugs was prevalent and a complex phenomenon, the students of GNDU to their credit have been free from the menace, mainly because of their involvement in studies, sports and other productive activities.

Prof RS Ghuman shared the main findings of the book and highlighted drug menace as a global phenomenon and a systemic problem embedded in socio-cultural and politico-economic framework.

“Punjab being on the transit route of drugs coming from the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan), is also experiencing drug problem in the state,” said Prof Ghuman, adding that the study presented in the book spans over five states, namely, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K and Rajasthan. “About 89 per cent of the drug addicts in these states are in the age-group of 10-35 years. The study says that the most worrisome aspect of the problem is saving adolescents and youths from being victims of drugs. Children as young as 10 years of age are falling victim to drug addiction,” he said.

Dr Ghuman has been researching on the subject for the last few years and said that peer pressure is the most prominent reason for drug addiction and abuse and entails widespread social and economic cost for the individual, family and society. The study highlights that there is an urgent need to break the supply chain and the demand for drugs through determined and sustained efforts on the part of society and government.

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