There is a worldwide consensus that misuse of drugs and alcohol is on the rise and India is no exception when it comes to this dubious trend. From plant-based drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin to synthetic drugs such as LSD, consumption of narcotic substances in India has increased manifold in recent years. Substance Abuse is a major malaise that our youth faces today. The same has happened with alcohol, more so with illegal and cheap country made alcohol. Vaping is a serious trend sweeping our nation and our youth are very intrigued and susceptible to this dangerous fad.
The rise in consumption of drugs and alcohol harms both the individual and the society at large, so much so that it has its impact rooted in the most democratic process of our country – the elections. I have thoroughly recced all of Odisha during the local body elections now. And my observations tell me that a large part of the local-rural youth is getting addicted to drugs and alcohol. It is disheartening for me to see the future of the nation being trapped in a loop of addiction. Regardless of the substance, drug use can cause serious and potentially detrimental long-term effects on adolescent behavior and brain development. A national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that although many teens report using drugs occasionally, about 8% of them ages 12 and older meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. The statistic is both astonishing and alarming at the same time.
It doesn’t take a lot of mental effort to realize that drugs and alcohol do actually give us momentary pleasure. But those moments are temporary illusions, what follows is, the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. This puts their health and career at risk. That’s a permanent dent on the life. It also affects the family in the long run.
The butterfly generation gets loads of money from their parents or guardians which makes it easy to consume drugs and alcohol. It has become a trend, a second habit amongst young people to consume drugs, to a point that convincing them is impossible. So it is important that parents and guardians hold an open and honest conversation with children at the age of adolescence. Parents should express calm, consistent standards about drug and alcohol use. Because to get over addiction in itself is a long war full of struggle which is worthy.
I belong from a place and time where drugs weren’t available so easily. In substitution, there were other vices like tobacco and cigarette consumed by people. However, I have never touched any of these vices. Sone friends around me got addicted, but I always advised and explained them to stay away from it. Even though I am a social person and I meet plenty of people who consume cigarettes and alcohol, nothing has ever compelled me to try it. I understand the occasional drinking that people do to socialize but nothing justifies addiction- be it drugs or alcohol. I always encourage people to avoid these vices.
By the grace of God, I have kept myself away from all vices even though I am around it. Even as a kid, twice I had opened a temporary paan counter during Durga Puja in our village to make some money to finance my education, but I never thought of consuming it. I can humbly state that this discipline and steadfast dedication towards my aim with the blessings of god has made me reach where I am today. I walk the talk and that is why managing such giant institutions like KIIT and KISS with the youth population ranging in many thousands with transperancy and honesty has been difficult but possible. I explain students about the harmful effects of addiction and how to focus on career and stay away from any form of excesses and abuse. Ultimately, the key to our actions and thoughts is in our hands and we should know how to control it. After all, only in moderation is the real fun!
It is absolutely true that the use of drugs have tremendously spread all over our country lndia for perhaps last few years for which a large number of our youth generation have been practically addicted on it. As a result of which our youth generation have been waywarding by addicting on it. Meritorious youth generation are becoming loosing their career after this habits which is definitely a matter of great concern for our society now. Thus government should intervene on this matter seriously by taking certain rules on the supply of this drugs which is treated as a great threats for our youth generation.
A nice realistic message indeed.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Good quality drug education can contribute towards decreased harm and increased safety for young people, their families and communities.
Young people are assets to the community who can make positive and long-lasting contributions when the opportunity arises. … Their cooperation is essential for drug prevention programmes to reach their goals and objectives.
Drugs take you as you take drugs..addiction is abuse…stop and introspect..@achyuta Samanta sir made Impossible possible..
The narration inked by our Dr Achyuta Samanta Sir, Hon’ble Founder, KIIT Group of Institutions and Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lower House), Republic of India, will no doubt, influence upon the young generation as a result of which, we will be able to witness a bright tomorrow.
O/o DyCoE & O/o Dean
School of Civil Engineering
KIIT University, Bhubaneswar
A very important message for today’s youth, Sir. I am sure the youth of our country will take inspiration from your journey, and work towards self-realization and betterment of society.
Warm regards🙏
Sir you are powerhouse of inspirations and every younger generations should be strive to follow you Sir🙏🙏
Wonderful Article, One must read & realize what Honourable Founder Dr Achyuta Samanta Sir wants to communicate all of us(Bringing Fresh Awareness) from his lifetime experiences.
My submission follows::
The youth of India are the main prey when it comes to addictions.
Be it addictions to alcohol, drugs, or phones and video games.
We have heard stories of children addicted to glue fumes.
Therefore the emerging types of addictions with this era are not surprising.
Addictions have become an epidemic of sorts that severely needs to be dealt with.
The problem of addictions::
Addictions generally begin as something to try for fun and then evolve to a dependency for comfort or escape.
If a person does not recognize and stop this dependency, it can become an addiction.
Often this happens before the person is even aware of this happening.
This level of dependency can become an obstacle to a person’s functioning in society.
It also has adverse effects on their mental health and can aggravate existing problems.
It is also something that harms one’s health and then begins affecting friends and family’s lives.
The rate at which addiction can cause destruction goes beyond the individual themselves.
Rehabilitation centers and such intervening measures can certainly help those addicted, but this is not a fool-proof measure, especially as an addiction begins at the mental level first.
Conclusion:::
The youth of India has great potential and can achieve greatness beyond what is known.
This is precisely why some drastic measures must be taken to end the rising rates of addictions.
Not just for the individuals addicted themselves but also for the future of the entire Nation.
A must read for everybody. From policymakers to citizens.
It is almost sure that the youth of today should take a note of all problems coming to them because of getting addicted to alcohols,drugs,etc and should maintain good distance from such bad habits.This blog of Dr. Achyuta Samanta,sir will certainly show the path of light to our younger generations and help them in building a better and healthier society.