Drugs pushing youth into addiction, society must be vigilant
RSD-Sircilla news: In contemporary times, drug usage among the youth is rising rapidly. Intoxicants such as marijuana are not only damaging individual health but are also undermining the family system and the very fabric of society. This has emerged as one of the most alarming issues currently confronting our society. There are several reasons why young people turn towards drugs. Factors such as peer influence, curiosity, academic and professional pressures, and a lack of emotional support within the family appear to be the primary causes.The Influence of Social Media and Cinema: In recent times, social media and cinema have exerted a significant influence on the youth. The portrayal of drug consumption as something “stylish” or “fashionable” in certain movies, web series, and social media content is proving highly alluring to young people. When protagonists or celebrities are depicted using drugs, it fosters a perception among the youth that “this is normal.” Videos and trends going viral on social media platforms are further amplifying this influence. A concerning trend is emerging where young people adopt risky behaviors solely to gain “likes” and “followers.” Consequently, they tend to prioritize their “image” over real-life realities, thereby increasing the likelihood of making poor decisions.Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana: Substances such as marijuana drug use has a severe impact on brain function. Problems such as memory impairment, a decline in decision-making ability, increased anxiety, and panic attacks are frequently observed. In the long term, there is a risk of developing serious mental health issues, such as psychosis. Physically, too, problems such as an increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, and fatigue arise.Hormonal imbalance shatters an individual’s mental and physical equilibrium: Drug use disrupts the hormonal balance within the body. Unnatural surges and subsequent crashes in dopamine levels lead to issues such as depression and mood swings. Over the long term, this poses a risk of fundamentally altering an individual’s personality.How does one’s mental state change?What begins initially out of curiosity gradually evolves into a habit and, ultimately, transforms into an addiction. Factors such as low self-esteem, loneliness, and emotional pain often pave the way for this progression.Is change possible through counseling?Counseling and psychological therapies play a pivotal role in overcoming drug addiction. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help reshape an individual’s thought patterns and guide them toward a healthy lifestyle. Motivational counseling can further strengthen the resolve to break free from addiction.Psychologists play a pivotal role: A key figure in the battle against addiction. Psychologist (Mental Health Specialist). Drug addiction is not merely a physical issue; it is a complex problem rooted in deep psychological, emotional, and social factors. Therefore, the role of psychologists is absolutely crucial in effectively addressing it. First and foremost, a psychologist scientifically assesses the severity of an individual’s addiction. By analyzing factors such as the person’s mental state, thought patterns, emotional condition, and family background, they identify the root causes of the problem. Since every individual’s situation is unique, they formulate a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to that person’s needs. A primary responsibility of the psychologist is to identify the “triggers” (stimuli) underlying the drug use. Factors such as stress, loneliness, depression, and peer influence can lead to addiction. By identifying these triggers and teaching the individual how to cope with them, the addiction can be mitigated.Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), they help the individual transform negative thought patterns and guide them toward positive thinking. Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), they help develop skills in emotional regulation, stress management, and mindfulness. Through Motivational Interviewing, they foster the individual’s interest in change and cultivate the internal motivation the realization that “I need to change.” Psychologists work not only with the individual but also with their family members. In the absence of proper understanding and support within the family, the likelihood of a relapse increases significantly. Such issues do exist. Therefore, through family therapy, psychologists help family members understand the nature of the problem and provide guidance on how to offer appropriate support. It is common for an individual to revert to their old habits even after recovering from an addiction. This phenomenon is known as a “relapse.” To prevent this, psychologists formulate specialized relapse prevention plans; they help individuals identify high-risk situations in advance and teach them strategies to avoid them. Furthermore, in some instances, addiction can lead to severe complications such as depression and suicidal ideation. In such critical situations, psychologists intervene through crisis intervention techniques to safeguard the individual and facilitate access to the necessary medical treatment. Psychologists also play a significant role at the societal level. By organizing awareness programs in various settings including schools, colleges, workplaces, and rural communities and by imparting life skills and stress management techniques to the youth, they are able to prevent addiction proactively. Ultimately, a psychologist is far more than just a clinician who provides treatment; they serve as a guide, a teacher, a pillar of support, and a leader who paves the way for positive social change as well.Prevention is the Best Approach: Preventive measures are crucial to curb the drug menace. Steps such as spending quality time with children within the family, understanding their emotions, raising awareness about mental health in schools, and organizing public awareness campaigns at the community level must be undertaken.Changes Needed in the Family and Education Systems: Factors such as an education system focused solely on academic marks, insufficient attention paid to children’s emotional well-being, and the hectic lifestyles of parents are also exacerbating this problem. There is a pressing need to prioritize values-based education and the development of emotional skills.Society Must Remain Vigilant: Changes within society such as a fast-paced lifestyle, the pervasive influence of digital technology, and rising levels of loneliness are significantly impacting the youth. Therefore, we can effectively tackle this issue only if the government, educational institutions, families, and experts work together in unison. Every situation eventually comes to an end. The reality is that, for those struggling with drug addiction, the nature of that “end” is inextricably linked to the concept of *change*. Drug addiction is evolving into a societal malady. It is the collective responsibility of us all to protect our youth from the clutches of this intoxication. With proper awareness, responsible media consumption, and an abundance of love and support, it is indeed possible to mitigate this problem.Author: Renowned Psychologist K. Punnam Chander, State Vice President, Telangana Psychologists Association.
