Protect Youth From Substance Abuse

 

Drug abuse is a growing concern among today's youth, from families to the whole world. Drug abuse is badly affecting not only their health, but also their future, relationships, and communities. The question arises, why alcohol? Once I was sitting with my friends in the evening. Some of my friends got up and went to the nearest liquor shop. I had no idea that the person drinks alcohol. Suddenly, he took out alcohol from his bag and kept it among us. One of my friends asked him why he did this without everyone's permission. Because you know most of them are educated people, and they may not like it, even in their home or society. We left the group with some friends and went home. What happened after that, we don't know. But I want to say one thing about that situation, that the person who brought the alcohol, it was normal for him. The next day, I called him again and started talking about what had happened the day before. I explained to him nicely to quit drinking alcohol and also told him the consequences of it. After a day or two, he stopped drinking, then started again, and then I explained to him. This time, he told me, "I am drinking with my money, not yours." Six months later, he got married and started living separately with his new wife. He started drinking again and quarrelled with his wife; sometimes he would reach home late at night. His wife was upset. She complained to his parents and went home after eight months. Relationship is important; substance abuse breaks the relationship and becomes the reason for separation. This is one incident which I had mentioned, you know, substance abuse and its consequences, after taking the wine. Now, how to save the youth from substance abuse?

A holistic and sensitive approach is needed to save the youth from the clutches of addiction, which includes education, can make them acceptable person in society. Education helps to stand and think positively, and education makes them conscious of substance abuse. The education makes a responsible and accountable of family and society. Education gives a sense of behaviour and teaches respect for others. Substance abuse sometimes leads to the wrong way, after drinking become cruel to their parents or friends.  Substance abuse person have no aim, no clear vision in their lives, and their family become frustrated. And slowly their sympathy will extend to him and others. No respect to women, wholesome words come from his mouth, because they have ended his sense.  As we are responsible men, we need to explain this kind of person. So that we can save the next generation from substance abuse. 

Open dialogue:

For open dialogue, there should be a positive atmosphere in every family right from the beginning. Parents should talk to their children about social evils, marriage, sexuality, substance abuse, and planning. Youth or children should be aware of it and be well aware of its consequences and impact on life. As children grow up, they will feel uncomfortable and restless with it.

Parents should have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This includes discussions on peer pressure, refusal skills, and the importance of making healthy choices. My experienced parents should always keep their eyes open, and the relationship with them should be friendly. If a friend in the family has weak behaviour, it depends on the age. If parents want to see a positive future in the future, then parents have to keep an eye out secretly. In some cases, parents have started keeping an eye on other children as well, leaving their own children. This is not right. If your child is in bad company and the parents come to know about it, talk to the children the same day. Why delay for a day or two? By doing this, they will feel free to do wrong things and will continue to do so. Therefore, parental supervision is very important.

Parental supervision: 

It is important to know where your child is, with whom and what he is doing. Constant monitoring and setting clear expectations and boundaries can greatly reduce the risk of substance abuse.

Positive role models: 

Youth who have strong and positive role models, whether they are parents, teachers, coaches or community leaders, are less likely to engage in risky behaviour. They will continue to face challenges alone, even if they have to. And will become positive role models in their lives.

Education in schools: 

Schools should implement comprehensive de-addiction education programs that are evidence-based and age-appropriate. These programs should focus not only on the negative consequences of substance abuse but also on developing life skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and stress management.

Community involvement: 

A strong sense of community can provide a protective shield against substance abuse. Youth who feel connected to their community through after-school programs, sports, or volunteer work are less likely to be drawn to drugs and alcohol.

Access to mental health services: 

Many youth resort to substance abuse to cope with underlying mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Providing easy access to mental health services and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help are important protective factors.

Policy and regulation: 

Implementing policies that restrict youth’s access to substances, such as raising the legal age for drinking and smoking, and enforcing harsher penalties for selling to minors, can help protect youth.