Seeking suggestions on checking substance abuse

Office of Divisional Commissioner Bhopal and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been running a project named ‘Navotthan’ which is aimed at creating awareness on the harmful effects of substance abuse. As a part of it, they are inviting suggestions from people on ways substance abuse can be checked.

Substance Abuse is on a rapid increase amongst youngsters. It might sound shocking but nonetheless true; according to a research, Madhya Pradesh is the second state in the country where drug addiction amongst youngsters is the highest. Alcohol and tobacco usage is also not very far behind from the usage of drugs.

Depression, respiratory failure, high blood pressure, weight loss, collapsed vein, nausea, anxiety, psychosis, seizures, damaged liver, kidney and lungs are some of the effects of substance abuse. What needs our attention is, apart from having an adverse effect on our mind and body; youths who inject drugs also become susceptible to HIV and other infections. Sadly, despite being aware of its lethal hazards, many youngsters become a victim to such addiction.

Be it youth from economically weaker background or one from a privileged family, peer pressure is quite likely the primary reason forcing youngsters into consuming such substances. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that consumption of psychoactive substance, along with alcohol and tobacco is becoming a fad and in most cases is looked up as a status symbol. The fear of being looked down upon or not being accepted socially coerces youngsters to fall prey to such substances and then there is no looking back. Other reasons that can be taken into account are lack of confidence, unhappiness and depression, lack of self-control, weak relationships, lack of supervision, etc.

Substance abuse not only affects an individual but also leaves an impact on their family and surroundings. This issue cannot be curbed overnight. There is a dire need to understand its nuances, learn to identify it, tackle it, and thereby solve. Only collective endeavours can help in making the society free of substance abuse.

In consideration of the above mentioned, UNDP is seeking suggestion from people. Share yours at mp.mygov.in.

What is Navotthan?
Navotthan is an initiative towards substance abuse free youth of Bhopal helmed by the joint efforts of Office of Divisional Commissioner Bhopal and UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). It aims to sensitize youngsters on the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and tobacco by conducting workshops in schools and colleges of Bhopal.

What is substance abuse?
Substance abuse implies the use of harmful or hazardous psychoactive substances including alcohol and other illicit drugs like opioids, heroin, cannabis, amphetamines etc.