"Think Health, Not Drugs"

"A drug is neither moral or immoral - it's a chemical compound. The compound itself is not a menace to society until a human being treats it as if consumption bestowed a temporary licence to act like an asshole" - By Frank Zappa (The Real Frank Zappa, 1989)

The above statement by Frank Zappa stands true for today's LSD generation. 26th June is celebrated as World's Drugs Day across the globe and this year's theme is "Think Health, Not Drugs". With globalization and world becoming a global village, the problem of drug abuse and trafficking has crossed national boundaries to become a global problem. Hence, it becomes important for the young country like India to stand up and against such abuse which is limping the country slowly. 

Society especially children and youngsters are vulnerable to the abuse as reasons are varied ranging from loneliness to blind race of establishing unique identity. It becomes the moral duty of parents and teachers to routinely check the children and make them understand the harmful effects of drugs. Peer pressure is biggest culprit which handcuffs the youth in its web of menace and pain. 

Sudden change in mood, bouts of drowsiness/sleeplessness, nausea, body pain are some common signs of drug abuse. Other behavioral changes can be sudden increase in demands for money, stealing, losing interest in studies, job, keeping tablets, capsules, cigarettes and syringes. All such symptoms should raise an alarm for family and friends and demand immediate attention. 

Possession of narcotic drugs even in small quantity for personal use is an offence, according to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Trafficking of drugs such as Heroin, Charas, Cocaine etc in commercial quantity is a non-bailable offence and can lead to prison sentence up to 20 years and fine up to Rs. 20 lacs. Death penalty can be awarded to repeat offenders according to the law.       

Society as a whole must understand that prevention is always better than cure. Individuals must be careful and not dig their own graves. Hence, all efforts must be made to prevent our younger generation from falling prey to this social evil.