Chandigarh: Addiction is a way of life with city youth: survey

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Addiction is a way of life with city youth: survey

Khushboo Sandhu

Chandigarh, September 19 Consumption of alcohol or drugs is indicative of

maturity, feel nearly 53 per cent of youngsters living in the city.

A recent survey conducted by Dr Avnish Jolly, resource person with

UNAIDS India, Godwin Society and Theatre Age, found that only 2 per

cent of the youth were aware of the potential addictive nature of

painkillers, sleeping pills and cough syrups.

The survey was conducted on 500 youngsters in the city in the age

group of 18 to 20 years.

The format of the survey was based on the United Nations Office on

Drugs and Crime.

Dr Jolly says: " Painkillers or sleeping pills are commonly available

at home. Youngsters tend to consume these without realising that they

can get addicted. Parental guidance is essential as they should check

whether their child is consuming these medicines in excess. "

As many as 82 per cent youngsters admitted in the survey that alcohol

was being consumed by people in their age group.

The sample survey found that nearly 46.6 per cent youngsters took to

drugs owing to a negative family environment, while around 28 per cent gave in

to peer pressure and another 22 per cent saw addiction as a relief from boredom

and stress.

In terms of de-addiction, the city youths were found to be under the

grip of various misconceptions. Nearly 24 per cent youngsters feel

de-addiction is not possible for women while there are others who

believe that de-addiction is possible if the period of abuse is less

than five years.

According to Dr Jolly, students feel that taking drugs is a way of life.

" A committee for drug abuse control at all levels is required to

expedite drug elimination tasks, which should be carried out at home

and in cooperation with the international community, " he adds.

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