Sunday, 12 February | Mansi Bhambri | Dehradun
The State government is working on mission drug-free Uttarakhand with an aim to eradicate substance abuse in the State by 2025. Experts point out that though there have been changes in trends of drugs consumption which should be addressed, alcohol abuse continues to pose a major threat to society but is still not being acted upon as required by the authorities. Further, it is not possible to fully eradicate drug use but with a sensible approach, the authorities can succeed in considerably reducing it.
Commenting on the mission to make Uttarakhand drug-free, clinical psychologist Dr Mukul Sharma said, “The mission is a good idea but it is impossible to free the entire State from drug abuse. Alcohol is the main addiction seen especially in the youth nowadays. Every year the alcohol consumption rate among the youth is rising by 12 per cent in Uttarakhand. However, by 2025, Uttrakhand can be partially free from drugs if the government and parents join hands together and take effective actions.”
Meanwhile, locals point out that though consumption of substances like cannabis was observed in the past too, the consumption of various substances has become considerably more common in various places nowadays. Dehradun resident Darshan Negi opined, “There is barely any place in the State where youth are not seen taking drugs. Yes, the mission to rid Uttarakhand of drug abuse is good but the authorities should also focus on preventing open consumption of substances.”
Nijaat de-addiction centre counsellor Yogesh Dobhal said, “Focusing only on eradicating drug abuse will encourage people to shift to abusing alcohol. It is unlikely that the authorities will be able to make the State completely free of drug abuse by 2025 but they need to spread awareness especially among the youth on the consumption of alcohol and drugs.”
In addition to this, the need to raise awareness at a younger age is also being stressed upon by many as substance abuse tends to start during the younger years. School teacher Seema Gupta said, “The government should organise regular workshops in schools to check addiction among children. Such efforts may help in raising awareness among children against drugs and discourage them from indulging in such activities.”
