Concept of child and drugs abuse

 

Concept of child and drugs abuse

Written by- Shalini Bishi 

Introduction

The use of drugs for recreational and nonmedical purposes is called drug abuse. The term refers to the use of illegal substances, such as cocaine and marijuana, as well as the use of legitimate drugs—that is, prescription and over-the-counter drugs—in excessive quantities or for nonmedical purposes. Commonly abused substances range from agents such as anabolic steroids, which some athletes use to boost their strength and performance, to psychotropic, or mind-altering, substances that produce changes in mood and feelings. 

Concept 

 The incidence of drug abuse among children and adolescents is higher than the general population. This is notably because youth is a time for experimentation and identity forming. In developed countries drug abuse among youth is generally associated with particular youth subcultures and lifestyles. This causes an acceptance by members of the subcultures of drugs and their use. In Asia figures of drug abuse are hard to find but after cannabis, Amphetamine-type Stimulants (ATS) are the most commonly used amongst children and youth. There have been various studies carried out in the region regarding drug abuse. A 1996 study of eight cities in seven provinces of China showed that over a half of heroin abusers are below 25 years of age. A school survey conducted in 1999 among students aged 12 to 21 years, in Vientiane, reported 4.8 per cent lifetime abuse for ATS. Children affected by Substance Abuse

 In India an NGO survey revealed that 63.6 % of patients coming in for treatment were introduced to drugs at a young age below 15 years. According to another report 13.1% of the people involved in drug and substance abuse in India, are below 20 years. Heroin, Opium, Alcohol, Cannabis and Propoxyphene are the five most common drugs being abused by children in India. A survey shows that of all alcohol, cannabis and opium users 21%, 3% and 0.1% are below the age of eighteen. An emerging trend about child drug abusers is the use of a cocktail of drugs through injection, and often sharing the same needle, which increases their risk of HIV infection. Overall 0.4% and 4.6% of total treatment seekers in various states were children

The problem in India is there are no sensitization programmes about drug abuse in schools or for children out of school. India does not have a substance abuse policy. There is also a high incidence of charging children under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Children who at times have access to high quality drugs will use volatile substances easily found in corner stores such as cough syrups, pain relief ointments, glue, paint, gasoline and cleaning fluids. There are very few to no health centers that deal with child substance abuse problems, especially in the rural areas. The use of tobacco is another major concern amongst children. In India 20 million children a year and nearly 55,000 children a day are drawn into a tobacco addiction. The number is shocking when compared to the 3000 a day new child smokers in the US. Children affected by Substance Abuse The use of certain drugs such as whitener, alcohol, tobacco, hard and soft drugs is especially widespread among street children, working children and trafficked children but there is currently a lack of reliable data on drug abuse amongst children. Children affected by Substance Abuse.

In 2008, CHILDLINE India Foundation published a study on substance abuse amongst children in Manipur. The study found a widespread prevalence and acceptance of drug use from heroin to the most common Spasmo Proxyvon. The high use of intravenous drugs is accompanied by sharing of needles and hence a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Children affected by Substance Abuse

Children affected by substance abuse are considered as children in need of care and protection under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000.

Prevention

Medical help in situations where counselling and talking cannot help.

Counselling and education are some of the best ways of dealing with cases of alcohol and drug abuse.

Avoidance of peer pressure could help in bringing down these habits to a large extent. Help from family and friends could do a lot of damage control as people are closer to family and friends. Hence, talking to our loved ones helps in coming up with such situations.

There are many rehabilitation centres mainly launched to help the alcohol and drug abuse patients from exerting control over the impulse to use drugs even when there are negative consequences.

Effect

There are numerous number of things that can harm your body. A major one is drug. Not only does drugs harm your body, but also effect your behavior and people around you. Drugs come in many forms, from drinking to smoking. “Tobacco is one of the world most used drug, and it’s responsible for an estimated 5 million deaths worldwide each year” (Addiction and Health). Abusing drugs can cause mental, health problems, and also effect the people around you The use of drugs cause people to experience mental issues such as behavior problems. This is due to the use of alcohol. Alcohol can cause damage to a person’s brain. You can tell if a person have been drinking or not by how they walk, their behavior, and their reaction.

Conclusion

the concept of child and drug abuse is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. Children who are exposed to drugs at a young age are at risk of developing addiction, mental health problems, and behavioral issues that can have long-term consequences on their lives. It is important for parents, educators, and society as a whole to educate themselves about the dangers of drug abuse and take proactive steps to prevent children from using drugs. This can include creating safe and supportive environments for children, providing access to appropriate resources and support services, and teaching children about healthy coping mechanisms and decision-making skills. By working together, we can help protect children from the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote their overall well-being and success.