It is difficult to estimate the economic cost of social ills like drug addiction and alcoholism to society. Certainly it is enormous for it is young people who are affected the most.
And youth represent the future and promise of any nation. When they fall prey to such evils, it is the entire nation which suffers. There are many reasons why young people are being led astray these days.
The old value system no longer holds. The rise of consumerism means that the world revolves around money. Parents are too busy to spend time with their children, much less teach them values. In other cases, parents indulge their children too much. The result is that children grow up lacking a sense of direction and with a propensity towards self-gratification. Poverty, mental illness, loneliness, family problems and even genetic causes can also make people susceptible to substance abuse.
Image Source : ncadd.org
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Earlier generations were led to believe that a life of crime was to be shunned. But now, in movies and television, crime is glamorized. Doing drugs and getting drunk are shown to be cool. Even if someone doesn’t want to do these things, peer pressure ensures that he falls into the trap. After all, nobody wants to be a misfit who has no friends. Globalization has brought the pub culture to India as well.
It is seen as trendy to hang out in a pub. While some are able to sow their wild oats and get away with it unscathed not everyone is so lucky. They get sucked into a vortex from which they are unable to come out. The fight against drugs and alcoholism has to start in homes, schools and colleges. Parents and teachers must keep a close watch on children to notice changes in their behavior. Schools should have counselors.
Addicts should be admitted to de-addiction centers for treatment. Families should try to help and understand the affected person instead of playing blame games. Above all, youngsters must be made to realize that life is precious and they owe it to themselves not to squander it away on such ruinous habits.