The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow: Nelson Mandela

Creating an environment where children feel safe to discuss their fears, anxieties, and curiosities about drugs is essential. Drug abuse among youth is a troubling and growing trend that poses a significant challenge not only to the individuals directly involved but also to the fabric of our society.
According to data from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 1.08 lakh men and 36,000 women were found using cannabis in J&K in 2022; 5.34 lakh men and 8,000 women consumed opioids; 1.6 lakh men and 8,000 women abused sedatives; and 1.27 lakh men and 7,000 women were hooked on inhalants.
Time demands an organized community response given the scale of the problem. De-addiction efforts have to be brought closer to the community. Mosques are proving to be pivotal for this initiative. Counsellors sharing the pulpit with religious scholars is a golden opportunity to tackle the growing substance abuse.
In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2024, it is crucial to address the multifaceted causes of drug abuse in youth and educational institutions and to articulate a comprehensive strategy to prevent such harmful behaviours. The inception of drug abuse in youths can often be traced to a myriad of social, psychological, and environmental factors. A significant catalyst is the stress associated with academic and social pressures. These pressures, coupled with the experimental and impulsive nature of adolescence, make educational institutions a hotbed for potential substance abuse issues.
Preventing drug abuse requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. Education plays a pivotal role. Schools and colleges should integrate comprehensive drug awareness programs into their curricula that not only educate students about the dangers of drug use but also equip them with the skills to refuse drugs. Such programs need to be age-appropriate, culturally sensitive, and inclusive, addressing various scenarios that could occur in real life.
Parents and teachers are on the frontline of this battle against drugs. They should be observant and responsive to the emotional and behavioural changes in youth. Creating an environment where children feel safe to discuss their fears, anxieties, and curiosities about drugs is essential. Parents, in particular, need to establish open lines of communication and foster a supportive home environment. Teachers, on the other hand, should be trained to identify signs of drug use and mental distress among students.
The broader community also has a role to play. Community leaders and stakeholders should collaborate to create safe, engaging, and healthy alternatives for young people to spend their leisure time. Sports, arts, and volunteer work can be excellent outlets for stress and can play a critical role in keeping youth engaged in positive activities.
Addressing the mental health of youth is crucial in preventing drug abuse. Schools and communities need to have accessible mental health resources and counselling services. Regular workshops and seminars that focus on developing coping mechanisms, resilience, and emotional intelligence can equip youth with the necessary tools to handle life’s challenges without resorting to substance abuse.
When prevention fails, effective intervention strategies must be in place. Educational institutions should have a clear protocol for dealing with drug-related incidents, which respects the dignity of the student while addressing the issue head-on. Rehabilitation programs that focus on recovery and the reintegration of students into school life are critical.
The fight against drug abuse in youth is a responsibility that falls on all of us—parents, teachers, policymakers, and community leaders. On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us commit to a unified approach that prioritizes the health, well-being, and future of our youth. Through education, awareness, and proactive prevention, we can nurture a generation that is resilient against the scourge of drugs and poised for success. Let us stand together to protect our most valuable asset—our young people—from falling into the clutches of drug abuse. By doing so, we are not only saving individual lives but also preserving the health and security of our communities for generations to come.

The writer is a former Attorney at Law, J&K High Court, presently a Government Law Officer. He is also pursuing a Masters in Political Science through IGNOU and can be reached at [email protected]

Mudasir Mushtaq Khan