The desire for instant gratification and high income constitute an explosive combination
Substance abuse is a global problem today. This poses a threat to all as it affects the physical, psychological, behavioral and social functioning of the individual and in turn, that of society.
Substances commonly abused include tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, cough syrup, ecstasy and other sedatives.
Abuse of alcohol, cannabis and brown sugar (heroin) seems to be rampant among the lower socio-economic group. The richer class seems to be abusing substances such as cocaine, ecstasy and designer drugs.
Curiosity Factor
Alcohol and drug use invariably starts as a casual act kindled by curiosity, peer pressure or the need to prove one’s willingness to ‘belong’ to a group. What starts off casually very often results in psychological and physical dependence on drugs.
The risk-taking attitude of the younger generation and their high incomes are two of the primary reasons for the increasing problem of substance abuse. Most of the young people employed in the newly created jobs often earn substantially higher incomes than their parents.
This leads to a decreased control/influence of parents. The desire for instant gratification and high income constitute an explosive combination.
The attitude of society towards alcohol use also has changed. We have become more ‘liberal’ over the years. Illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy are also available depending on the amount of money a person is prepared to spend. From being a problem of a select few of the higher income groups, drugs have slowly permeated into every segment of society. As it stands now, no child is safe in this world where prevalence of alcohol and drug use is steadily increasing.
While any youngster is at risk, certain factors place him/her in the high risk group. The general trend would be to experiment with tobacco, then alcohol followed by other drugs like cannabis and heroin.
A childhood history of behavioral problems such as truancy, lying, stealing, rebellious nature, and poor socialization skills makes a person more prone to drug use. Poor academic performance, disciplinary problems, low self-esteem and a feeling of alienation may indicate that the person has a problem. Because of greater susceptibility to peer influence when friends have a favorable attitude towards drug-taking, the chance of use is higher.
The use of drugs affects a person in all possible ways, damaging every facet of his life. There is a change in the physical appearance — he develops a haggard, dull, apathetic look. The problem is compounded by loss of appetite, loss of weight, chronic cough, unexplained needle marks and poor physical hygiene. The youngster loses interest in his personal appearance and all goal oriented activities are forgotten. Interest centers only on his drug taking activities.
There is deterioration in the value system. Lying and stealing become more evident. Family relationships break down as there is little communication with others — the person prefers to spend time alone. Irritability increases with temper outbursts and rapid mood swings.
Substance abuse is a global problem today. This poses a threat to all as it affects the physical, psychological, behavioral and social functioning of the individual and in turn, that of society.
Substances commonly abused include tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, heroin, cocaine, cough syrup, ecstasy and other sedatives.
Abuse of alcohol, cannabis and brown sugar (heroin) seems to be rampant among the lower socio-economic group. The richer class seems to be abusing substances such as cocaine, ecstasy and designer drugs.
Curiosity Factor
Alcohol and drug use invariably starts as a casual act kindled by curiosity, peer pressure or the need to prove one’s willingness to ‘belong’ to a group. What starts off casually very often results in psychological and physical dependence on drugs.
The risk-taking attitude of the younger generation and their high incomes are two of the primary reasons for the increasing problem of substance abuse. Most of the young people employed in the newly created jobs often earn substantially higher incomes than their parents.
This leads to a decreased control/influence of parents. The desire for instant gratification and high income constitute an explosive combination.
The attitude of society towards alcohol use also has changed. We have become more ‘liberal’ over the years. Illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine and ecstasy are also available depending on the amount of money a person is prepared to spend. From being a problem of a select few of the higher income groups, drugs have slowly permeated into every segment of society. As it stands now, no child is safe in this world where prevalence of alcohol and drug use is steadily increasing.
While any youngster is at risk, certain factors place him/her in the high risk group. The general trend would be to experiment with tobacco, then alcohol followed by other drugs like cannabis and heroin.
A childhood history of behavioral problems such as truancy, lying, stealing, rebellious nature, and poor socialization skills makes a person more prone to drug use. Poor academic performance, disciplinary problems, low self-esteem and a feeling of alienation may indicate that the person has a problem. Because of greater susceptibility to peer influence when friends have a favorable attitude towards drug-taking, the chance of use is higher.
The use of drugs affects a person in all possible ways, damaging every facet of his life. There is a change in the physical appearance — he develops a haggard, dull, apathetic look. The problem is compounded by loss of appetite, loss of weight, chronic cough, unexplained needle marks and poor physical hygiene. The youngster loses interest in his personal appearance and all goal oriented activities are forgotten. Interest centers only on his drug taking activities.
There is deterioration in the value system. Lying and stealing become more evident. Family relationships break down as there is little communication with others — the person prefers to spend time alone. Irritability increases with temper outbursts and rapid mood swings.
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