#Drug abuse among youth#

By vermavkv on April 24, 2023 • ( 10 )

Drug abuse among youth is a growing problem that has assumed significant concern in various socio-cultural and economic strata.

According to available reports, the problem has spread among various age groups, but it is more prevalent among youths aged 16 to 25 years.

This age group is characterized by a bundle of exuberant but undirected energy, which often leads to taking risks and experimenting with new things.

The fast-paced social transformation brought in by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and rural-urban migration has further complicated the situation. It has eroded the traditional, informal, social control mechanisms and has even brought in changes in the structure of the family, from joint to nuclear, or at best an extended family.

Youths are drifting away from their traditional roots

As a result, the youth are drifting away from their traditional roots and finding it difficult to cope with ever-increasing social pressures.

The media explosion has shrunken the world, especially for the youth, and they are now more aware of things around them. This has also raised their level of aspiration and ambition. With materialism, consumerism, and individualism gaining ascendancy, modern youth is more prone to drug abuse.

The consequences are very harsh that include domestic violence, broken marriages, shattered families, and infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden. Apart from affecting financial stability, addiction increases conflicts and causes untold emotional pain for every member of the family.

Awareness creation program for Drug abuse

Various reasons could lead youth to take to drug abuse, including curiosity, a tendency to rebel against authority, a way of gaining recognition in their group, or just the inability to say ‘NO’ when offered. Therefore, awareness creation and preventive education programs for youth is an imperative.

In Bangladesh, a strong emphasis has been placed on awareness building against drug abuse among youth, and financial and technical assistance is provided by the government and NGOs to help them undertake activities such as socio-cultural programs.

Experience has shown such programs have a salutary impact if backed by a good follow-up program.

Young adults are more prone to Drug abuse

According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 5.5% of young adults aged 18 to 25 years had a substance use disorder in 2019, which includes both alcohol and illicit drugs. This indicates that drug abuse among youth is a significant problem that requires urgent attention.

However, it is not enough to simply prevent youth from becoming addicted. Efforts must also be made to improve the overall environment in which they live, including addressing the problem of drug trafficking and pushing. Youth groups and voluntary organizations can play an important role in combating these problems and identifying addicts in their own peer groups.

More efforts are needed to control Drug abuse.

More research is needed to better understand the causes and effects of drug abuse among youth and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. It is clear that this is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted approach, involving not only youth themselves but also families, communities, and governments.

Friends, drug abuse among youth is a growing problem that requires urgent attention. Preventive education programs, awareness-building activities, and constructive leisure time activities can go a long way in combating this menace.

It is crucial to create an environment that promotes self-respect, determination, personal and social skills, and professional skills necessary for functioning in a rapidly transforming society.

Please watch this video and please like and subscribe..