Drug addiction is a disease which can be beaten
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Apollo Kshetrimayum
From Morphine to Heroin and Mandrax to Tydol, from Opium to Amphetamine, from Kabui Khul to hypnotics, drug addiction has become one of the crucial social problems in Manipur over the past forty years. The problem of drug addiction in Manipur has become a matter of serious public concern, growing like cancer. Although there are no definite figures to show the actual extent of the problem, the rising number of drug addicts, drug counseling, and de-addiction centers indicate its extent, but the question arises: why are people, mainly our youth, continuously indulging in drugs ?
Though the reasons are as varied as the types of people, some contributing factors for the initiation of drug use could be the tendency to seek pleasure or relief from pain, curiosity, peer pressure, frustration, alienation, unemployment, or changing structures. Drug addiction is a menace spreading its roots worldwide at an alarming rate; the threat of misusing various drugs has never been as high in human history.
Key Drivers of the Drug Crisis
Geographical proximity : Manipur shares a long, porous border with Myanmar, the world's second-largest producer of opium. The region sits on the primary transit route for narcotics flowing from the Golden Triangle into India.
Easy Availability & Low Prices : The uninterrupted influx of high- quality, cheap heroin (locally referred to as "No. 4") and methamphetamine tablets means drugs have become highly accessible and inexpensive.
Socio-Economic Despair : Decades of political instability, ethnic conflicts, and a lack of large-scale industrialization have led to massive educated youth unemployment. Many youth turn to substances out of despair or boredom.
Rise of Local Clandestine Labs: Beyond acting as a transit route, the proliferation of illegal poppy plantations in Manipur's hill districts has facilitated the setup of local processing and manufacturing units (heroin laboratories).
Historical and Cultural Factors : The historical use of traditional intoxicants (like opium and cannabis) has shifted, combining with deep-seated psychological trauma stemming from the ongoing regional conflicts.
Anyway, substance abuse refers to excessive use of a drug in a way that is detrimental to self, society or both. It is the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.
There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially among the youths under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needle are also at risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
In case of Manipur drug abuse has been an issue since the late 80s. The menace of drugs is a chronic issue that has crept into all the nooks and crevices of the State. The impact of drug abuse is permanent and if not contained effectively, it has the potential to permanently wipe out precious human resources of the State, destroy our health, ecology, society and will have irreversible political repercussions.
The motivations behind drug use can vary, but cessation is crucial for all users. Addiction is a pressing issue in Manipur, permeating every aspect of society. The growing severity and evolving trends, particularly among young people, have drawn considerable attention. The emer- gence of a distinct drug subculture, complete with its own norms and values, has detrimental effects on individuals' health, happiness, and overall well- being. Drug trafficking and addiction are pervasive issues worldwide, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. Various fac- tors, including peer influence, high expectations, and unemployment, contribute to the persistence of this problem. This study aims to explore the complex consequences of drug addiction and potential solutions that can be implemented by families, communities and society .
Should You Try to Beat Drug Addiction on Your Own? The decision to quit drugs is a courageous and essential step toward a healthier life. However, the question of whether to do it on your own or seek professional help is one that many people grapple with. While it might seem tempting to try to quit on your own—whether out of a desire for privacy, a sense of personal responsibility, or the belief that you can handle it—there are significant risks involved in going it alone.
The Challenges of Quitting Drugs on Your Own
Quitting drugs, especially if you’ve been using them for a long time, is not just a matter of willpower. Addiction is a complex condition that affects both the brain and body, making it difficult to stop using drugs without experiencing significant physical and psychological effects.
From Morphine to Heroin and Mandrax to Tydol, from Opium to Amphetamine, from Kabui Khul to hypnotics, drug addiction has become one of the crucial social problems in Manipur over the past forty years. The problem of drug addiction in Manipur has become a matter of serious public concern, growing like cancer. Although there are no definite figures to show the actual extent of the problem, the rising number of drug addicts, drug counseling, and de-addiction centers indicate its extent, but the question arises: why are people, mainly our youth, continuously indulging in drugs ?
Though the reasons are as varied as the types of people, some contributing factors for the initiation of drug use could be the tendency to seek pleasure or relief from pain, curiosity, peer pressure, frustration, alienation, unemployment, or changing structures. Drug addiction is a menace spreading its roots worldwide at an alarming rate; the threat of misusing various drugs has never been as high in human history.
Key Drivers of the Drug Crisis
Geographical proximity : Manipur shares a long, porous border with Myanmar, the world's second-largest producer of opium. The region sits on the primary transit route for narcotics flowing from the Golden Triangle into India.
Easy Availability & Low Prices : The uninterrupted influx of high- quality, cheap heroin (locally referred to as "No. 4") and methamphetamine tablets means drugs have become highly accessible and inexpensive.
Socio-Economic Despair : Decades of political instability, ethnic conflicts, and a lack of large-scale industrialization have led to massive educated youth unemployment. Many youth turn to substances out of despair or boredom.
Rise of Local Clandestine Labs: Beyond acting as a transit route, the proliferation of illegal poppy plantations in Manipur's hill districts has facilitated the setup of local processing and manufacturing units (heroin laboratories).
Historical and Cultural Factors : The historical use of traditional intoxicants (like opium and cannabis) has shifted, combining with deep-seated psychological trauma stemming from the ongoing regional conflicts.
Anyway, substance abuse refers to excessive use of a drug in a way that is detrimental to self, society or both. It is the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.
There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at an alarming rate, especially among the youths under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needle are also at risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C.
In case of Manipur drug abuse has been an issue since the late 80s. The menace of drugs is a chronic issue that has crept into all the nooks and crevices of the State. The impact of drug abuse is permanent and if not contained effectively, it has the potential to permanently wipe out precious human resources of the State, destroy our health, ecology, society and will have irreversible political repercussions.
The motivations behind drug use can vary, but cessation is crucial for all users. Addiction is a pressing issue in Manipur, permeating every aspect of society. The growing severity and evolving trends, particularly among young people, have drawn considerable attention. The emer- gence of a distinct drug subculture, complete with its own norms and values, has detrimental effects on individuals' health, happiness, and overall well- being. Drug trafficking and addiction are pervasive issues worldwide, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. Various fac- tors, including peer influence, high expectations, and unemployment, contribute to the persistence of this problem. This study aims to explore the complex consequences of drug addiction and potential solutions that can be implemented by families, communities and society .
Should You Try to Beat Drug Addiction on Your Own? The decision to quit drugs is a courageous and essential step toward a healthier life. However, the question of whether to do it on your own or seek professional help is one that many people grapple with. While it might seem tempting to try to quit on your own—whether out of a desire for privacy, a sense of personal responsibility, or the belief that you can handle it—there are significant risks involved in going it alone.
The Challenges of Quitting Drugs on Your Own
Quitting drugs, especially if you’ve been using them for a long time, is not just a matter of willpower. Addiction is a complex condition that affects both the brain and body, making it difficult to stop using drugs without experiencing significant physical and psychological effects.