Deterioration in traditional values is causing an increase in substance abuse. According to senior psychiatrist Dr Nand Kishore, drug and alcohol abuse is becoming a serious cause for concern as the abuse is increasing while traditional moorings, social taboos, emphasis on self-restraint and control of the joint family system and community are eroding.
He informed that in Uttarakhand the abuse of drugs is higher than alcohol abuse among youth. Drug abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Apart from prescription drugs, various drugs and substances like ink whitener and pain relieving balms are abused in a manner which can cause brain damage. In many cases, painkillers and sleeping pills prescribed to patients are also abused not only by the patients but also by others.
Though cannabis use was not uncommon in the State, recent drug hauls by the police have revealed that the mushrooming of educational institutions and increase in student population has attracted pushers who have now set up elaborate nexus to supply not only cannabis but also hard drugs like smack and prescription pain killers.
Such dealers target students living in different hostels, paying guest accommodations and office goers. The student population is being seen as a lucrative market by the drug mafia which is supplying various drugs to the youth across the State capital.
Dr Nand Kishore adds that youths who get hooked on drugs find it hard to concentrate on their studies and get detached from family life and society.
Raising awareness among the youth is a major factor which can mitigate the rising substance abuse among the student fraternity. Although many events and cultural factors affect drug abuse trends, most youth tend to reduce their drug intake when they perceive drug abuse as harmful.