Global Substance Addiction Surges; India Faces Alarming Stats with 15 Million Youth Affected – Urgent Call for Early Intervention and Tailored Treatment

Global Substance Addiction Surges; India Faces Alarming Stats with 15 Million Youth Affected – Urgent Call for Early Intervention and Tailored Treatment

Asif Iqbal | December 27, 2023 | 12:19 PM IST | Health | Follow on Google News

Global Substance Addiction Surges; India Faces Alarming Stats with 15 Million Youth Affected – Urgent Call for Early Intervention and Tailored Treatment.image/Adobe Stock

Global Substance Addiction Surges; India Faces Alarming Stats with 15 Million Youth Affected – Urgent Call for Early Intervention and Tailored Treatment

In recent times, the global prevalence of substance addiction has escalated to almost pandemic proportions. In India, a study conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice has revealed that 14% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, 2.8% use cannabis and related products, and 2.1% resort to opioids. Disturbingly, the Indian government reports that over 15 million children between the ages of 10 and 17 are ensnared by substance addiction. Unraveling the complexities of addiction is challenging, as individuals find it arduous to break free from the relentless cycle. Moreover, a recent study suggests a heightened susceptibility to developing new addictions among those already grappling with one. This holds particularly true for individuals with alcohol dependence, but the risk extends to various forms of substance abuse, encompassing opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, amphetamines, and cannabis.

Unpacking the Genesis of Addiction

Understanding the sequence of events leading to addiction sheds light on potential avenues for overcoming it. Addiction doesn’t manifest overnight; rather, it commences with cautious experimentation involving small quantities. Factors such as curiosity, peer pressure, and the normalization of substance use within families contribute to this initiation. Families with a history of substance familiarity, especially alcohol, tend to witness a higher prevalence of addiction in subsequent generations. In some medical cases, substances serving as secondary support for psychiatric issues like depression, anxiety, psychosis, stress, and ADHD can lead to euphoric experimentation.

Addiction as a Medical Condition – The Pleasure-Pain Cycle

Crucially, addiction is recognized as a medical condition due to the neurobiological impact of substances on the brain. Substance use induces neural changes that propel individuals to seek continued use, creating a relentless cycle of pleasure and pain. Without intervention during the initial experimentation phase, patients may become fixated on the initial pleasure, leading to compulsive substance use. Over time, this transforms into a cycle where patients struggle to avoid substance use, perpetuating a loop of seeking pleasure and enduring pain when the substance’s effects wane.

The Case for Early Intervention

The cascading effects of addiction underscore the need for early intervention in patient treatment. Left unchecked, compulsive behavior evolving into addiction wreaks havoc on personal and societal well-being. The repercussions manifest in compromised physical and mental health, disrupting family dynamics and exerting a broader impact on society. Economic stress and strain on healthcare infrastructure exacerbate the consequences of addiction.

Treatment Strategies

While early intervention is ideal, subsequent treatment plans must be individualized, considering the severity and type of addiction. Facilities like Sukoon prioritize tailored care, encompassing detoxification to eliminate substances from the patient’s system and addressing withdrawal symptoms. The second phase involves tackling the social, behavioral, and psychological factors underpinning addiction. The bottom line is that addiction is treatable. Advances in health and medical procedures, coupled with increased awareness, have significantly improved the success rate of addiction treatment. With awareness, medical support, and a nurturing environment, individuals can cultivate alternative sources of reward, facilitating a return to fulfilling and productive lives.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.