The different stages of life present with different problems and the stage of youth is no exception. Early and late adolescence are probably the most important phases of life regarding important biological, psychological and social alterations which come about during this period.
Youths form the majority of the Indian population and are most important since the progress of the community and the nation lies on their shoulders. Thus it is apt to discuss here a major problem during the phase of youth in this International Year of the Youth.
Most problems, whether of psychological of social nature are not unitary, rather they are multifactorial. One problem tends to increase the other like a vicious circle and the causative factors are intimately interwoven, so no single factor can be isolated as the chief cause for the problem.
This naturally creates difficulty in the understanding and handling of the problem. This holds equakly true for the problem of drug use, abuse and dependence. The drug abuse problem is becoming progressively worse and the number of addicts is increasing phenomenally.
Heroin and other addicting compounds are spreading in many urbanised places in the country. Poly drug use pattern has also began especially among the younger generation. Prevalence studies in India have indicated that almost 25 % of students and nonstudent youth abuse alcohol and about 10-20% abuse other drugs.
The problem of drug abuse during youth surpasses those during other phases of fife. This is probably due to their vulnerability during this period. Exploration of biological and environmental factors has interested researchers to find implicative forces. The general adaptation to various biological, hormonal and psychological changes during this period superadded to increased responsibilities in academic and occupational areas make them more vulnerable to resort to drug habit.
The interaction between parents and youngsters and the conflict regarding their Dependence Independence role are other factors which could add on. Thus, they try to solve their difficulties either through aggression or through drug abuse. They seek a chemical solution to a psychosocial or an adaptational problem. They are encouraged by their peer groups. Even the role of mass media in propogating the problem has always been acknowledged.
A desire to lead a fast life and seek satisfaction and solace through the use of drugs seems an easy way of life to them.
The proper management of such a problem is becoming increasingly difficult.
Drug trafficking is a major, irrepresible law and order problem. There should be
stricter laws and punishments against drug peddaling. Part of this problem is also propagated by tourists and overseas students. There is a need to impart proper and suitable health education regarding the consequences of drug habits. Teachers in schools and colleges also have the responsibility to make students aware of such problems and how to avoid them. Parental counselling and guidance regardinZ rearing and up-bringing of their wards and avoidance of neglect and rejection in their care could probably have some beneficial effects.
Overall, more important is the Government policy in dealing with the whole situation. Government should be alett to the menace of drug abuse spreading rapidly into the community and enforce appropriate measures at each step in order to curb this problem. In addition, the cooperation from the International organisations would be of great help to sort out this problem.
S. M. CHANNABASAVANNA
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