Drug is a chemical substance associated with distinct physical and psychological effects. It alters an individuals’ normal bodily functions and processes. Drug addiction is a major social problem today in recent times. It is referred to as the aberrant behavior by the individual. It is the evidence of the individuals’ social maladjustment. It is that aberrant behavior in which individuals conceal their transgressions from social norms of the society, violates the norms of the society without questioning their legitimacy, escapes from the penalties of violating norms. It is regarded as a deviant act and as a non-conforming behavior which not only affects the individual but also the society in large.
Drug problem has continued to be the major social problem in not only the western countries, but has also spread in India in one and a half decades. India has become one of the transit centres of drug peddling. Indias’ drug lords sale in domestic and international markets varies from 100 to 125 crores. The use of illicit and illegitimate drugs is confined to not only the street urchins and lower class but more middle and upper class youth are succumbing to drugs. The frequent use of drug is considered to be dangerous and it destroys the normal function of the individuals’ body and system. Drug abuse is antisocial and it arouses hostile and indignant sentiments on the part of the public.
Drug abuse is the use of illicit drug where the discontinued use of a drug leaves an individual turn hostile and impatient, unless and until he takes the drug to satisfy his bodily pleasure. It completely drains the individual of his mind and body both physically and psychologically. Some of the most widely used drugs are ganja, heroin, marijuana, cocaine, LSD etc. These drugs are divided into categories like sedatives, narcotics, stimulants, depressants, nicotins etc. They provide a sense of calm feeling to the body, superiority, reduces hunger, provides pleasure, satisfaction, reduces mild depression, eases tensions and provides a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system.
The term “addiction” has to be stressed on. It is referred to as the “physical dependance” on the drug wherein the individual has to take the administered drug regularly. The addiction gets increased day by day to such an extent that the dose of the drug gets increased.
The causes of drug abuse can vary from social to physical causes. Social causes include challenging social values, facilitating social experiences, peer pressure. Physiological causes include getting sleep, heightening sexual experiences, reducing hunger etc. Physical causes include easing worries, depressions, satisfying curiosity, removing inhibitions etc. Researchers have indicated that drug abuse is mostly prevalent among the adolescents who take drugs as a result of peer pressure, where the environment of the house is not congenial ,unstable relations etc.
Drug abuse is also found among slum dwellers, industrial workers and labourers as it provides them satisfaction because they dont have any other sources of recreation. In order to combat drug addiction the government has enacted an act in 1985, called the “Narcotics and psychotropic substances Act”. Other than that NGOs have collaborated in organizing campaigns for speading awareness of leading a drug free life.
Individuals who have hostile relations with parents, where there is marital disharmony, cases where parents neglect their children, fall in prey to drug abuse. So to combat it there should be a healthy family environment, parents should aware their children of the evil consequences of drug, they should talk with their children freely and maintain a friendly relation.
In universities, schools and colleges teachers should spread awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse, they should encourage discussions with the students of how to stay away from this social problem. Police workers and law enforcers shoud be given deterrent punishment if they are found in collusion with the drug peddlers.
Therefore, drug addiction is a great threat to social mankind and humanity which can take lives of individuals. We should all take pledge to abolish this antisocial element from the society and to have a drug free life for the welfare of the individuals.
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