Societal Aspects Of Drug Abuse In Juveniles

Juvenile Substance Abuse Series: Societal Aspects of Drug Abuse in Juveniles

Introduction

This article is a part of the Juvenile Substance Abuse Series under SDG -3 of the United Nations. Target 3.5 is “Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.” Substance Abuse, even though a sickness, is regularly viewed as a matter of personal choice, and the individual is considered an ethically degenerate and debased being. We know about the physical and mental impacts of addiction, yet the social consequences are once in a while talked about despite the higher gravity of the antagonistic effect. This article talks about the social implications of juvenile substance abuse. The principal stakeholders are unfavourably influenced because of drug abuse even after the abuser has been restored to the standard method for society.

Family and community: The cost of affording a de-addiction centre is often high and the burden to provide for the same usually falls over the family of the addict. Sometimes, it costs the entire family's earnings to get the person to a private de-addiction centre. They could also suffer mental and emotional harassment as the addicted individual perpetually tortures them. There are instances of crimes committed within the household, and there is a chance that the addict becomes a constant threat to the community. Health and wellbeing: Even when momentarily the addicted person feels glad and strong after consuming drugs within the person, the drugs are consuming the person. It can lead to various life-taking diseases, or the overdose might kill one in an accidental attempt. Education: Addiction takes a significant toll on the person's education and, impliedly, on the future as a person dependent on drugs more than often fails to put in the effort and dedication needed to study and empower oneself.  Crime: The trends have shown a connection between the rise in crimes committed or attempted to the intake of drugs as the addict is likely to work towards detriment under the influence of drugs and harm society. The entire law and order are focused on maintaining peace and harmony in society, but drug abusers try to blur the legal lines and are often causing havoc. They tend to create problems everywhere they go, challenging the authorities, the law, and order. Employment and Financial Burden: When a person is often in a drugged condition and out of proper sense, he would likely be unable to devote his fair share of dedication and carry out the responsibility in the manner required by a legible yardstick. He is less likely to be employed, and there are high stakes that he will be fired from his job or land a job beneath his level. Economic issues and burdens are bound to follow when you do not get a proper education or sustain the right job. The person will likely face a financial crunch and issues with family and societal responsibilities.

Future Outlook and Recommendations

What, as a community, we need to do at this moment is make people around us aware and teach about drugs and their side effects. Firstly, we need Sensitisation; society has to be made aware and sensitised about the menace of drugs. The common people targeted adolescents, and appropriate authority must be sensitised. The immunisation projects should be accessible to all drug abusers and in every office. The medicine and survival packs for administering overdoses in suitable spots should be accessible. Secondly, free Counselling is essential, not only for legal purposes but psychological, to the people trapped in this vicious cycle. Thirdly, Legal Aid is indispensable; the government should take up campaigns and inspections to ensure that free legal aid is not limited to only paper but is easily accessible by all strata of society. Lastly, Awareness Programmes are essential, the number of awareness programs should be increased, and new strategies need to be developed to reach the masses and be taught.

By Prerna Deep