Drug addiction in india

Drug Addiction in India The population of India has been rising by the day. Currently, India’s population is over a billion out of which over 3 million are substance abusers. The number of deaths recorded last year due to over consumption of alcohol is 2.5 million. There are around 60 different types of diseases with alcohol has a significant causal role. As per the statistics, the total consumption of alcohol was 6.13 litres per person.

Cannabis, heroin, opium and hashish are recorded to be the most commonly used drugs in India. There has also been evidence of an increasing prevalence of methamphetamine as well.

The rates of injecting drug users in India have also increased substantially. The raising rate of HIV that has spread through the communities and regions due to injecting drugs which intern happens due to exchange of needles. The Indian government began a policy of harm reduction which included needle exchange programs and maintenance therapy.

Methamphetamine addiction Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth is a string Central Nervous System stimulant that is used a recreational drug among most people. Meth seizures across Asia have tripled in the last five years. This drug is often used to help anyone stay awake through long shifts or gives the person the energy boost he needs. Meth has become increasingly popular in the party culture, with most users being in their early teens or twenties. According to the experts, meth’s ingredients are both produced illegally in India as well as procured from legal sources in the chemical industry. This has made its availability very easy for most addicts.

Meth usage has been linked to several severe physical problems in addicts. Apart from causing serious physical and mental damage they also cause organ damage, insomnia, violence etc. This drug is commonly used by the working class as a stimulant to help them perform better, work for longer hours and consume less food. Usage of drugs is extremely dangerous and can lead to damage in motor skills, response times, sexual dysfunctions and problem solving skills.

Cannabis Addiction Cannabis addiction is the most common in India since it is widely available all through the country. The rate of people being subjected to substance abuse psychosis by abusing cannabis has shockingly increased. Cannabis also known as marijuana, ganja, charas, weed has been known to be consumed by the ancient ‘Gods’ of the country according to the Hindu mythology. The drug is mostly smoked or dunk as a beverage in Hindu ceremonies often known as ‘Bhang’. Cannabis is consumed by large sections of society, especially by labour workers who find the relaxing properties beneficial. Despite its widespread use, and acceptance, this drug is still illegal to use and possess in any form. According to reports

cannabis users have recorded to be around 10 million in the country, out of which 50% of them die due to dependence or are subjected to substance abuse psychosis. These users also suffer from major health problems including respiratory disorders, memory impairment, digestive tract problems, respiratory disorders, weight loss and problems with sleep. Illegal drug consumption causes about 250,000 deaths yearly.

Alcoholism The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that 8, 748 people died from alcohol related deaths. Kerala has been leading in terms of Alcohol consumption. 11% of the population indulges in binge drinking; the global figures record shows the figures as over 16%. In the ‘Years of life lost’ scale, which is based on the deaths due to alcoholism, India has been rated as 4 on a scale of 1 to 5.

Rehabilitation Treatment Facilities As a response to the growing number of deaths and diseases caused due to any kind of addiction, treatment centres are now becoming prevalent and becoming a must to treat such patients. Helping addicts recuperate and rebuild their lives by helping them restructure their personality with psychotherapy and medical interventions is a paramount priority in any rehabilitation centre. Addressing the different areas of their addiction and psycho-educating addicts has also proven to be beneficial for addicts in their path of recovery.

Hope Trust rehab in Hyderabad, established in 2002, is a pioneer in the field. It has a proven recovery program with evidence-based protocols. The treatment is broadly based on the 12 Steps program, supplemented by competent medical and psychiatric inputs. Moreover, CBT is an important component along with Yoga and meditation.