Newindpress
Mangalore, Jun 16: It is a faceless evil that spares none. Countries around the world have lost some of their best citizens to it. Families in almost every corner of the globe have lost a dear one to this evil.
Drug abuse looms large over our globe. From celebrities to students and from politicians to the new-age entrepreneur, the victims’ list is seemingly endless and despite various initiatives taken by governments and non- governmental institutions worldwide, the list still keeps expanding.
What can be done to prevent this menace? What can be done to empower a teenager to say ‘no’ despite everything and everyone around him encouraging him to go ahead, and most importantly, how can addiction and dependence be cured?
These questions await answers and that is just what United Nations wishes to deliver in its ‘war against drugs’. June 26 will be observed as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and the slogan itself screams the most important first step, ‘Value yourself, make healthy choices.’
"Many individuals develop these habits due to peer pressure and various other influences that are strong and persistent," says social worker Diana Rego who has been involved in de-addiction programmes through Link De-Addiction centre in Mangalore.
It is alarming to note that in the last one year LINK has registered a total of 359 patients between the age group of 15-60.
"We’ve had everyone from everywhere", says social worker Suman Pinto who explains that there is no class that is particularly not affected.
Most patients, referred to us by friends or by their families are almost at the very end of their professional lives.
"It is disheartening to see perfectly able individuals losing focus in life," says Pinto who also explained the various changes in the behaviour of addicted individuals.
It is a state of constant dependence where individuals feel the need to be constantly in ‘high’. They would employ any means to procure drugs and may resort to any method of consumption.
"What starts as a singular event soon becomes an everyday habit and it is unfortunate to know that it is often too late for self help," said Pinto.