Drug Addiction Among the Youth

Gone are those days when the youngsters endeavored to excel in studies and games, despite failures. But today, the scenario has changed a lot. Though, the population has become more educated and aware about the burning problems, among which, Drug Addiction is mushrooming a lot amongst youngsters, but not very good ways are being adopted so as to curb this havoc called Drug Addiction.

The reasons that act as boosters are numerous but everybody is too busy to take heed of the situation. Throwing some light on the reasons that make a child drug addict are very shocking. The pressure created by parents upon their children to bring home bright report cards, shining trophies, medals and top charts in extra- curricular activities but not lending a helping hand when the child needs it the most, which in turn, backfires both the parents and children. The parents feel devastated when they become aware of the fact that their child is a drug addict. The prime reasons to be focused here are lack of affection, time, support, communication.

Bereft, of love, affection, time, support, communication, negligence from the part of parents, the youth usually end up taking drugs for putting themselves at ease from the stress. Though, the parents strive hard to bring up their child in the best conditions, sacrificing a lot to make their child happy. But the reasons that force a child to indulge in drugs are usually

• Inability to express oneself
• Imposed by responsibilities that are meant for an adult
• If both or one of the parent is alcoholic
• If the child starts facing domestic problems at home from an early age
• When a child gets into bad company and starts spending time at bars, etc
• If the child is less educated or unaware about drugs and their impacts
• If a child is going through a tough time, especially during teenage
• If a child becomes a part of humiliation, maltreatment, inferiority or consistently he faces failure
• Also, the youngsters strongly feel drinking alcohol, smoking, intake of any form of drug as vogue. As a result, the neglected youth usually inculcates a habit of drug intake.

Many parents are mistaken or unaware of their child taking drugs and alcohol. But surely a close observation in regard to the symptoms of drug intake can really help a lot. Though children, especially adolescents show many of the symptoms mentioned below when they are depressed. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to sort out with the child about his/her problem.

A child, when into drugs usually shows signs like

• Tardiness to classes, lectures, workshops, appointments, etc
• Sudden fall or drop in grades
• Losing interest in the activities the child probably enjoyed
• Disconnecting with old friends and joining new groups
• Personality changes - an extrovert child suddenly becomes introvert
• Sudden mood changes - get furious or sad with out any prior indications
• Seem hung over
• Decrease in memory retention
• Increase in keeping secrets
• Withdrawal from family
• Eager or disposed to fight
• Red Eyes
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Fatigue or being too hyper

If a parent suspects about his/her child consuming drugs then they should start making quiet and slow moves, generally which involve

• Locking the liquor cabinet
• Being strict in regard to the child's lifestyle
• Keeping Double Check Alarm Systems
• Check their Bedrooms
• Closely observe the physical attributes of child - eyes, lips, etc
• Never assume that your child is too young to be exposed to drugs
• Know who your child's friends are
• Consider the places where they can get drugs
• Check your child's attendance at school
• Keep a check or ask for expenditure record from your child
• Check your child's vehicle for suspects of drugs
• Look through their pockets, backpacks, wallets, purses
• Take your child for random Drug Test
• Develop an open, strong & trusting relationship
• Most important, teach your child to say NO to drugs and make him/her aware about the harmful impacts of drug intake.

If the child is struggling hard to free himself from drugs and experiencing extreme behavioral problems, then it is an alarming point for the parents. In fact, everybody should take up several ways so as to protect and safeguard the future generation of our nation.