On June 26, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day serves as a reminder of the need to combat the problems illicit drugs pose to society. The day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.
The theme for 2017 is listen First - listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.
The campaign targets parents, teachers, policy makers, health workers and prevention workers and highlights how to recognize - and prevent - risky behaviours and drug use. It is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use.
Drug and alcohol abuse is the example of drinking and using drugs (prescription and illicit) that cause harmful effects to a person’s health, livelihood and relationships. Single dosage of either alcohol or drugs doesn’t automatically deem the person an addict. However, continuous usage and drug abuse can lead to chemical dependency and addiction. Drug abuse has been known to destroy homes, deteriorate relationships, causing fatal accidents, domestic violence and physical abuse. Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. Illicit drugs weaken economic and social development and contribute to crime, instability, insecurity and the spread of HIV.
Illicit drug trafficking takes place in most countries of the world.
It India, the numbers of drug addicts are increasing day by day. According to a UN report, one million heroin addicts are registered in India. Cannabis, heroin, and Indian-produced pharmaceutical drugs are the most frequently abused drugs in India. Pressure of studies, personal and family problems leads to drug abuse among youngsters who fail to cope up with the ever-growing family and personal problems.
The friend’s circle in which a young individual stays also influences his/her activities. Even for simple petty issues, which can be solved otherwise will result in drug abuse because one is so used to it that without consumption of the same, one just cannot think of anything.
These short term effects may hinder the user to perceive the long term consequences.
India compromises more than 20 per cent population in adolescent age group. Of various substance abuse, alcohol is most dangerous and quite fashionable among middle and late adolescent age group. Use of alcohol is associated with major morbidity and mortality. This burden is shared by family and society.
The family is often viewed as the basic source of strength and support for its individual members. Rapid social, economic and technological change may, under certain circumstances, weaken the sense of family and reduce the sense of belonging to other people, groups and places.
Stability of relationships, environment and expectations are a powerful force in helping people manage their lives, especially important for children and young adults. The present economic and technological changes present a challenge to the stability and influence of the family. Families can have a powerful influence on shaping the attitudes, values and behaviour of children.
Drug misuse gives unpredictable sensations, which has different social, economic, and psychological perspectives. The deterioration of the old joint family framework, perceived absence of parental love and care in current families, decay of old religious and cultural values and so forth prompt an increase in the quantity of drug addicts who take drugs to escape the hardships of their life.
Drugs are placed under national and international control to prevent the negative health and social consequences of substance abuse. Today there is more awareness of the problems of illicit drugs and drug trafficking than ever before. A National Master Plan for substance abuse was evolved in 1994 which focuses on the establishment of treatment and rehabilitation centres, training of primary care and other personnel in substance abuse. This plan also ensured collaboration with non-Governmental organisations to carry out education and awareness building programmes. In accordance with its mandate for coordinating the alcohol and drug demand reduction strategy of the Government of India, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has been implementing a wide range of community-based programmes, through the voluntary sector, for the prevention of alcoholism and drug abuse and the treatment and rehabilitation of the addict.
The treatment services for substance use disorder in India are delivered by Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), private sector and the Government. There are around 430 drug dependence treatment centres throughout the country, which are being run by NGOs, supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India (MSJE).
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOH&FW), Government of India, has also established about 122 drug dependence treatment centres (DACs) in the country. Most of these Government centres are associated with either general hospitals at the district levels or with departments of psychiatry at certain medical colleges. For treatment and rehabilitation, there are 22 de-addiction centres, two Counselling Centres and two de-addiction and counselling centres in Odisha. Several NGOs are also working towards de-addiction.
Drug rehabilitation programmes attempt to teach the patient new methods of interacting in a drug-free environment. The advantage of any treatment offered at drug rehab centres is the complete focus on ensuring that the patient recovers from the addiction. Providing round –the- clock intensive care to the patients, these treatments are ideal for those people who suffer from chances of a relapse. Without treatment and rehabilitation the matter will further put enormous pressure on the individual family and community. It is vital to provide treatments and develop design guidelines for rehabilitation of the drug addicted people.
In Bhubaneswar, number of childrens are involved in rag picking, shoe shining, working as coolies, working in shops and restaurants, road side vending, cleaning and washing utensils in hotels for their survival. These children work for long hours in these occupations. When there are no means for living, they sometimes engage in petty theft, drug trafficking or criminal activities. Most of the children start using substance to satisfy their curiosity or to have fun without knowing its future consequences. They mostly use dendrite, tobacco and alcohol.
The drug abuse has become a social problem and it has a negative impact on the society. The most successful approaches in drug use prevention involve the critical role of families, schools, and communities to build on protective factors to ensure safe and healthy childhood and adolescent years. Families, schools and civil societies can do their part to rid their communities of drugs.
The media can also raise awareness about the dangers of drugs. This will support communities free of drug-related crime and violence.
(Dr Praharaj teaches at Department of Architecture, College of Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar)