Drugs, alcohol ruining young generation

Bhanu P Lohumi

Drug abuse and consumption of alcohol is ruining the young generation of the state. Even though efforts are on to wean away the youth from the twin evils, lack of will power among addicts and inadequate family support is coming in the way of their proper rehabilitation.

A majority of cases about (60-80 per cent) relapse after leaving rehabilitation centres, commonly known as ‘rehabs’, due to lack of family support and strong willpower of patients to fight the urge of drugs or alcohol. 

“The maximum number of cases coming to rehabs is of alcohol and chitta patients, followed by opioid users, cannabis and heroin addicts. We receive about 90 patients in the OPD every month and 30-40 are admitted,” says Dr Amit at the psychiatry department, IGMC.   

Another psychiatrist  Dr Aaditya Sharma says : “Odd smells, behavioural changes, memory problems, unexplained injuries, items and money going missing, weight loss, mood swings, kid roll-ups, tin boxes, syringes, burnt teaspoons, change in company and recluse from social activities should be carefully watched.”

Emotional bond with children can help in keeping them away from drugs and parents should become a part of their child’s life, be a good role model, follow clear set of rules, and frankly talk about negative fallout of consumption of drugs and alcohol, he suggests.

An interactive session with drug abusers in rehab centers by The Tribune revealed that stress was the main cause of drug abuse though there were multiple other reasons for drug addiction. Bad company, however, was the leading cause. 

“Friends with bad habits, unhealthy atmosphere at home, disloyal girlfriend, depression and loss in business were the reasons that I took to alcohol,” says 31-year-old Amit (name changed), who is admitted to the psychiatry department at IGMC.

“I have been in the rehab for the fourth time,” says 35-year-old Nitin (name changed) from Una, who left the Army due to his addiction for chitta. “It all started in the company of friends, when I had come on leave and before I could realise, I was addicted only after three attempts and consumption of 3-gram chitta,” he said.

“Earlier, I thought I could never leave drugs, but this time, I myself asked my parents to get me admitted to a rehab. I want to be normal for my daughter, who is in Class III, as a drug addict cannot give a good life to his family,” he lamented.    

The government is running de-addiction centres in all regional and zonal hospitals in the state, but much more needs to be done as the number of addicts is increasing every day.

“De-addiction centres provide a safe place to stay insulated from drugs and counseling is the best bet as the background and history behind every case is different,” says Vikram Kuthiala, who is running a de-addiction centre ‘New Life Foundation’ for the past five years.

“In most of the cases, addicts are in the age group of 16 to 35 years and they are chemical users, who are basically multiple drug users. They drink, dope, consume opium and cannabis besides chemicals. We provide rehabilitation, counselling, yoga and meditation, alcoholism and drug addiction treatment, sharing of experiences and group and rejuvenation therapy,” he said.   

“A person gets cured within a period ranging from 3 months to one year, depending on the case, but safe environment and follow-up counselling is crucial, as a large number of addicts again start indulging in drug abuse after being discharged from rehabs,” he said, adding that relapse prevention, family counselling, post treatment follow-up was important.

Main reasons for drug abuse among teenagers, youth

• Stress (main reason) 
• Bad company
• Unhealthy atmosphere at home
• Breakups
• Depression
• Loss in business

Treatment available 

• Rehabilitation
• Counselling
• Yoga and meditation
• Sharing of experiences 
• Group and rejuvenation therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Family counselling
• Post-treatment follow-up