Drug Abuse- a curse in the society..

Drugs, believe it or not, leaves effect in an individual when you consume it more than proportion. People experiment with drugs for different reasons. Some try it out because they want to, some out of curiosity, some do it to have a good time, and some do it to ease their problem such as frustration, stress, anxiety or depression. People also use drugs to improve their athletic performance and boost their stamina. Hardly people care or are aware about the consequences. Drug use doesn’t mean drug abuse. There is no specific quantity that can cause abuse or addiction. It varies from individual to individual. But when it starts causing problem in an individual’s life- at home, office, school or relationships, it shows that you likely have drug abuse or addicted problem.

While each drug causes different physical effects, all abused substance does one thing in common. Its repeated use can alter the way brain looks and functions. Using of recreational drugs gives you a feeling of pleasure, which your brain likes and wants to be repeated. Gradually one stops ignoring the amount of its consumption and it becomes more important than any other thing in ones life. Food consumption also decreases and they don’t seem to realize and rationalize it. Levels of Dopamine in brain change because of drug abuse. Whether one is addicted to Heroin, Cocaine, Xanax, speed, Vicodin or inhalants, the uncontrollable craving to use becomes more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even one’s own health and happiness. Drug abuse can develop out of many reasons like one used it to feel good, or at least stop feeling bad, and slowly it became a habit. If drugs fulfill a valuable need, energize you, make you more confident, relieves you from chronic pain or panic attacks, one can get addicted too. Overcoming addiction is not only a matter of willpower and you can’t withdraw immediately when you want to. It is a disease and can be cured by therapy and medication. Whether willingly or forcefully, if an addicted person is subjected to treatment, he will definitely benefit. Symptoms like when one continues to use drugs in spite of knowing it’s hurting or effecting oneself, starts neglecting ones responsibilities, gets into legal trouble, abandoning activities one used to enjoy previously, shows addiction.

Humanity is a wonderful creation of God. One should love oneself, even if not for his own sake, at least for the people near and dear to him. People should be made aware worldwide about the consequences of using drugs. It is not only the drug users’ responsibility, but also the responsibility of others who are aware of their addiction to help them recover from the disease. Awareness and willingness are the only tool to drive this evil from our society!

Mounilina Biswas

(MBA-ITBM 2013-15)