ADDICTIONS IN YOUNGSTERS
Growing of Substance Abuse Among Youth
Have you ever seen youngsters on the roads smoking? The answer would be yes, and in recent
years, you would have seen more youngsters smoking. Substance abuse refers to the excessive use
of drugs in a way that a person gets addicted to it. It can be due to physical or psychological
dependencies which then have effects on both the person and society. It has become a pervasive
issue in today's society. Whether it's alcohol, tobacco, prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or even
inhalants, the allure of these substances poses a significant danger to the health of our youth.
Addiction can be caused by many factors. Youngsters face many challenges as they become
adolescents. They have relatively less knowledge of the world; they only know what their peers,
family, or someone whom they admire tell them. Youngsters, typically aged 13-19 years, face peer
pressure; they are persuaded by their friends to take up drugs to fit in. In some families, the use of
substances is normalized, which gives youngsters the curiosity to try them, leading to addiction.
Some youngsters indulge in substance abuse to show off, feeling gratified that they are doing drugs
and believing they are superior. As time passes, they may find themselves grappling with anxiety, a
sense of isolation, mounting stress, and various mental health challenges. In an attempt to navigate
these overwhelming emotions, they turn to substances as a means of escaping reality, often
unaware of the profound impact it will have on their well-being.
The consequences of substance abuse are far-reaching; it not only affects the individual but also
poses risks to public health. Diseases such as liver damage, respiratory issues, an impaired immune
system, and HIV can occur. Moreover, behaviour changes like aggression, impulsivity, and difficulty
maintaining relationships, be it with friends or family, are common.
It is observed that in Punjab, "drug abuse" is a raging epidemic, especially among youth. Much news
and data show this problem is rising significantly. After getting addicted, when they want to quit,
they often don't receive the necessary support from society or their families. To cope with this,
several actions can be taken, including education, awareness, open communication with youth, and
providing a supportive environment. Talking to youngsters and understanding them can have a very
positive impact. During this period, if a youngster finds someone they can trust, someone who
listens to them, it can make a significant difference.
In conclusion, substance abuse is a growing issue that requires collective action and unwavering
commitment from all sectors of society. By addressing the root causes, implementing prevention
strategies, and providing effective interventions and support services, we can work together to
combat substance abuse and create a healthier, more resilient society for future generations.
Name-Saanvi Sharma
Class- 9th
