Need to create more awareness on drug abuse – Dr P V Bhandary
Udupi: Regular drug abusers can develop problems such as anti-social personality, suicide ideation and depression, said well-known Psychiatrist Dr PV Bhandary.
He was speaking at the drug awareness programme organised by the Udupi district National Students Union of India at St Cecily’s Pre-University college on Monday, July 2.
While drugs of abuse such as alcohol, amphetamines, caffeine, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens or nicotine can lead to health hazards with heavy personal, economic and social costs, the long-term consequences of abuse include psychotic disorder, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disorder and many other problems.
“Youth have misconceptions on the consumption of alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Some young men think that the consumption of beer make them fat and develop their personality, which is wrong. Others smoke cigarettes as they think it gives them the “kick” or a “high,” which too is wrong”.
“If the youth wanted to get a “high” they should take up physical exercises or go walking. It is usually peer pressure which push many youth to consume alcohol or to take to smoking cigarettes. This sometimes leads to the next level — consumption of drugs”.
“Consumption of drugs is like getting into a vicious circle. It is easy to get addicted to drugs. But it is a struggle to give it up. Hence, say ‘No’ to the ‘first puff’ and the ‘first peg’,” Dr Bhandary said.
The diagnosis of drug dependence is based on these factors — strong desire or sense of compulsion, difficulty controlling substance-taking behaviour, physiological withdrawal state, tolerance, progressive neglect of alternative pleasures and persisting with use despite clear evidence of harmful consequences, Dr Bhandary explained.
“Consumption of drugs is harmful to both individuals and society. It is essential that the youth keep away from bad company. Awareness should be created among the youth about the ill-effects of drug abuse”, he added.
Rahul national secretary of NSUI said “students should not yield to such drug abuses. Succumbing to psychological peer pressure would later develop into a strong habit. It is necessary to raise awareness of drug abuse, particularly among the students”.
Farooq state NSUI secretary, Christan Almeida Udupi district NSUI president, Sr Gracy principal of the college, leaders Nabil Udyavar, Neeraj Patil, Harshith Acharya, Vishak, Nithesh, Devdas and others were present.
