Substance abuse among youngsters has emerged as a growing concern across the State. While deaths and crimes linked to hard drugs make headlines, soft drugs often make their way to dinner and lunch tables as they are considered to be socially acceptable. Many addictions begin with substances that are easily available and widely accepted in social settings.
Debojit Majumder, Senior Consultant at Kripa Foundation, Goa, believes three primary components influence the consumption of drugs in youngsters. The environment in which an individual grows up is a primary factor. Secondly, genetic predisposition also plays a role. “It is important to note if someone in the family already has a problem with drug addiction or substance abuse. The third component is behavioural issues,” he says.
Apart from these, Ubaldina Naronha, an associate professor, addresses the impact of social circles and peer pressure on youngsters to experiment with different drugs. Alcohol and cigarettes are often considered fun and exciting. Hence, many times youngsters lean towards these rather than going for the heavy drugs. “The youngsters consider these drugs entertaining. Everyone wants to show how fun and thrilling their life is, hence they have a drink or a smoke as they also don’t want to be left out,” she explains.
This desire to fit in, coupled with the easy availability of substances, further increases the risk of experimentation. Noronha notes that access to drugs is often facilitated by individuals who have regular contact with students. “Usually, the drug traffickers know who will have access to the students. It can be the watchman or a shopkeeper in the neighbourhood or at a local pass. It is hardly students selling amongst themselves,” she observes.
Recognising the signs of substance abuse at an early stage can play a crucial role in intervention and recovery. Experts say the warning signs are often visible. Unexplained disappearance of money from the house, deteriorating personal hygiene, and sudden changes in routine are some common indicators. “Additionally, their sleep cycle may undergo drastic changes. There will also be noticeable behavioural changes. They may become increasingly withdrawn,” Majumder explains. Noronha adds that such changes are often easy to spot among people one has known for a long time. “It is important not to dismiss these signs as mere mood swings or temporary phases,” she says.
Since a significant portion of their time is spent in educational institutions, experts believe schools and colleges can play a crucial role in identifying and preventing substance abuse at an early stage. Eshan Rocha, who has completed his college, feels that being supportive, avoiding judging, encouraging open communication, and helping the students access counselling when needed could help immensely. “Awareness programmes help, but they need to be more interactive and conducted regularly to have a lasting impact,” he adds.
Awareness initiatives are already being conducted across educational institutions, and experts believe they have yielded positive results. “I believe awareness programmes have helped because the use of hard drugs has reduced; additionally, the youngsters are very health conscious, who know what they put in their body,” notes Noronha. Majumdar believes that a healthy social circle can prevent the individual from experimenting with drugs and substances. “Having a supportive peer group that can stop individuals from doing something wrong is critically important,” he states.
Thus, while law enforcement and awareness campaigns continue to play an important role, experts agree that preventing substance abuse begins much closer to home. Strong family support, positive social circles, and vigilant teachers can often make the difference. As students navigate increasing social pressures, recognising the warning signs early and creating supportive environments may be the most effective tools in ensuring that a moment of curiosity does not turn into a lifelong struggle.
