An overindulgence of anything, even something as pure as water, can intoxicate.

—Criss Jami

 

The rising phenomenon of drug abuse particularly among the youths has been causing great public concern. In today’s world, the problems of drug abuse have increased phenomenally. In fact, a small state like Manipur is no stranger to the inflicting shadow of drug abuse. There have been many instances of substance abuse in the state and has been hiking up all the more. Among the samples studied by the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Manipur, the number of addicts rose from 6% in 1972 to 23% in 1982, and is expected to grow more. Many become homeless, whilst some become involved in crime, and sex trade. 

As such, it would not be so wrong to say that no society or nation can any longer claim to be free from the problems of substance use and its illegal trafficking, homelessness, and crime, which have assumed a transnational form and character. Individuals from several different socio-economic strata are being affected by the processes surrounding each of these phenomena; therefore, substance misuse, homelessness and crime are not just problems of individuals, families or particular societies or countries. 

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction 

While both concepts exist together on a similar continuum, there is a distinction to be made between the two. 

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. Addiction begins as a result of using a substance (drugs or medication) that has a measurable impact on the reward centre of the brain—enough to effect a change in the functionality of the brain itself. And in this case, the brain forms a compulsive mechanism towards seeking and using the drugs/ substance, despite the knowledge of its harmful consequences. The brain thereby places the drug/ substance above all else, while eating, sleeping, loved ones, and even sexual activity take the back seat. 

On the other hand, drug abuse might eventually lead to an addiction but as a non-clinical concept, ‘abuse’ encompasses any use of illicit substances, or inappropriate use of medications (such as taking larger doses than were prescribed). Not everyone that uses drugs (or abuses them, for that matter) becomes addicted to them. There are various levels or stages of problems and addiction. To be sure, however, abuse always precedes addiction, and statistics bear out that many suffering from drug abuse do tend to progress to addiction. 

However, it is also important to note that, in layman's terms, substance/ drug abuse and substance/drug addiction are often used interchangeably.

 

The Bitter Case of Churachandpur 

In 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Churachandpur one of the country’s most impoverished districts. However, the biggest issue confronting the people is a drug epidemic that has been overshadowing the district for decades. While it is Christianity that dominates the entire district with 93.01%, it does not however seem to curb the population from the chain of drug abuse. It is quite disheartening to know that the number of drug abusers and drug crime relation is ever growing. And, for Churachandpur, one might as well say that the story is rather gradually going downhill—from rising conflict/violence to broken families, from substantial increase in homeless youths to crime-drug related activities, from hike in number of HIV/AIDS patients to suicide, from growth in drug trafficking to overdosing, and more. 

The drug consumption scenario has even taken on a more critical turn, decades back, abusers take/ inject drugs lurching in a corner and hiding themselves—reluctant to be seen. However, today, abusers no longer felt the need to hide their cheap acts, instead they are now consuming/ inject drugs openly/ in public; they have failed to show neither shame nor guilt. Perhaps, drug abuse has become so common a problem that indeed the abusers no longer find reasons to do/ act in secret. 

According to recent records (April-Dec, 2017), a whopping number of 1252 drug abusers have been registered; it is believed there are more people out there than have been recorded. The population includes a rather huge number of married and divorced individuals too. This means that there are many families—children and spouses who are under the bonds of the cruel effects of drug abuse and its effects due to their abuser mother or father, or husband or wife. While 20-35 yrs are the age range most susceptible to substance abuse, there are records of individuals as young as 15 yrs of age who fall prey to the condition. On a more depressing note, the youngest overdosing recorded was 10yrs old. 

When we talk about drug abuse, grownups and fully mature individuals with lanky figures and constricted/ dilated eyes might probably be the first picture that comes to mind. We may think high school students are yet too young, and safe from such activities. However, it is to be noted that the trap of drug abuse has no limit, people fall prey to it no matter how young or old they are. According to an article written way back in 2008, a specific study of 40 high schools in Churachandpur district, there were 67% addicts among the students—ages varying from 10-15 yrs, and 28% addicts in the same district among the students of two colleges—ages varying from 15-25yrs. Imagine how many times the numbers would have fired up during the span of 10 years! 

What could be possibly the reason behind such drastic activities? The conditions governing responses to their needs can range from what normal citizens would consider the silliest things to quite depressing reasons. It includes curiosity, lack of parental care, lack of appropriate life skills, glamourizing drugs, no meaningful and purposeful utilisation of free time, unemployment, peer pressure, enjoyment, easy availability of drugs, and more. 

Approximately, 9400 syringes are distributed monthly by a single organisation. This tells us that the figure of Intravenous Drug Users (IDU) is unfathomable. Moreover, according to the familial background studies done by NGOs, it is found that most IDUs are from economically poor backgrounds, are illiterate and school dropouts. Furthermore, homelessness among IDUs increased due to broken families (divorce is very common), mostly because they faced lesser acceptance in society and even in families, and because of self-stigma, guilt and poverty. Therefore, we can say that drug abuse and homelessness go hand in hand. 

On an average, it is believed that a number of 3-13 overdoses occur monthly. However, as per records of the district hospital casualty/trauma department, there were as many as 48 overdosing cases between the months of May 2017 to Dec 2017. This figure tells us two things: 1) that the abuse of drugs is hiking and worsening. 2) That illicit drugs accessible to users are no longer pure. The retailers or dealers may cut, lace, or mix drugs with other substances or adulterants during the production process to increase bulk and dilute purity—keeping costs down and profits up. The dangerous combination of unknowns adds up to enormous unpredictability in drug purity and composition, as well as the effects the substance will produce. Additionally, if you take drugs that are diluted or fake, you may take more to feel the desired effects, which increases the users’ risk of overdose. And this is possibly the main reason behind why so many cases of overdoses sprout up lately. 

The Tangled Facts

With drug abuse becoming popular and even quite influential, and illicit drug trafficking on the loose, many kinds of illicit drugs sweep the black market (Note: details of kinds of drugs used not mentioned for caution). 

Abusers funded their substance abuse/ dependency by asking from their family members and acquaintances, engaging in illegal activities like theft, robbery, cheating, and drug dealing. In fact, according to police reports, drug crime has been increasing annually—from 2 of such cases being registered in 2015, to 3 cases in 2016, to 12 cases in 2017, and already 8 cases for 2018 though we are still yet just in the month of March. According to the cases registered, WY tablets and heroines are the most popular drug cases registered. In fact, in many schools of Churachandpur there have been many instances of high school students as early as 7th grade who are caught red handed with this illegal pill. Moreover, there has also been cases of cultivation of opium/ poppy too. 

As per familial background studies done by NGOs in Churachandpur, most of the drug abusers are from—1) broken families: divorced, or situations involving step mother/father, orphans with no proper guidance, 2) daily wage earners, both parents working/ away from home most of the time, 3) and some from well-to-do families/ parents does not monitor the amount of money they spent. Drug abuse dependence may lead to homelessness, not that they don't have homes and families but they are unable to stay with their family because of their drug use behaviour. Most drug users are from broken family backgrounds—dysfunctional families and it also may lead to divorce. Loss of property and assets, indebtedness due to drug use has also been observed. 

The situations in which drug abusers of the town live and the problems they face is quite a complicated one. They are stigmatised/discriminated against, they form self-guilt/ low self-esteem, and form self-centred life—centering on drugs; they become irresponsible and are in denial—blaming their family for their drug use and its consequences. It is also found that drug abusers face difficulties due to the issue of “hotspot” drive by civil societies and law enforcement, and the frequent change in drug quality. (Hotspot: a place where Health Research Group congregates, solicits and encounters). Furthermore, social crises like communal wars are also believed to have an impact on initiation of drug use. Such crises are observed to cause recklessness, unmindful and indifferent attitude to drugs and life, hampers their study and schooling, absence of parental supervision, seeking short and instant gratification from drugs, causing depression and sleeplessness leading to self-prescribed medication and subsequent use and addiction. For example, since the Kuki-Paite ethnic clash of 1997-98, the drug cell in Churachandpur Police Station ceases to function until its reestablishment in 2016. 

Drug abuse in a small town like Churachandpur has serious consequences upon individuals, families, and society as a whole. It creates much havoc and chaos for the town. It leads to broken families—family discord and dysfunctional, social and family problems—many divorces have occurred, public nuisance and early death, financial difficulties and burden—loss of properties and assets, health issues such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Hepatitis, etc. Moreover, there have been many instances of drug crime connection activities. Drug use and crime are directly related even though drug use per se is not a criminal activity. Prolonged drug use mostly leads to criminal and illegal activities to fund their drug use; they may resort to theft, robbery and small drug dealing activities. 

What Has Been Done?

The various NGOs in Churachandpur have played an important role with the issue in hand. They deal with drug abuse creating awareness and helping abusers deal with their problem by providing them free materials, treatment and counselling. Some of the NGOs are: SHALOM, Lamka Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Progressive People’s Organization, Gilead Balm Rehab Centre, Bethsaida Rehab, Living Word Centre, Trinity Centre, Social Care Ministry, etc. 

These NGOs organised daily Needle Syringe Exchange Program, Oral/Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Condom Promotion, STI Consultation and Treatment, Hep C and ART Treatment, Referral to Other’s Services Centre, Hospital/ Community Care Centres, Advocacy, Drop-in Services, Behavioural Change Communication 1-1 and 1-G, Sensitization/ Workshop. While some organised Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation, Drug Abuse Prevention activities for Adolescents, Youths, Parents and Teachers in School, Community and Church settings, Drug Abuse related Harm reduction and HIV prevention activities, Care and Support for people infected and affected with HIV. 

In addition, the police department also organised meetings with different NGOs from time to time with relation to drug abuse. They also organised workshops where the public citizens are encouraged to take part in it, and thereby have conversations and address their ideas and issues on how to tackle drug abuse. However, even with the many works they have done in fighting drug abuse and illegal trafficking, there have been many times where they get backlash from the public instead of supporting and applauding. And it is such negative feedback that prevents them from doing their work in full swing. The stereotypical thinking and negative feedback have to be replaced with encouragement and support. 

How Can We Contribute?

Drug prevention has two dimensions to it: supply reduction and demand reduction. Supply reduction has to do with dealing with illicit drug trafficking, law enforcement, etc. (what our Narcotics control bureau does). Demand reduction, on the other hand, is in the hands of individuals, families and society. Therefore, the Church, the Village Authorities and Communities, and the family have to put on an even bigger effort than before because they are the basic institutions where the Churachandpur society is based upon. 

The smallest, basic and most important part of society, the families, has to take precedence over everything else. The parenting style today is either too authoritarian or permissive, and sometimes even disengaged. Parents want to be either the child’s friend or the dictator, or ignore their activities completely. Communication is hampered in all cases. Parents need to strike a balance between the first two. Children today have access to an overload of information. Keeping a check on the child’s source of information would be helpful. Open discussions about myths related to alcohol and drug abuse are important. Parents/ Guardian must create a relationship with their children where the kid feels comfortable enough to discuss his/ her problem with them. A home founded on trust, understanding, mutual respect, a sense of accountability and role modelling where every member of the family is accustomed to heart-to-heart talk is crucial. At the end of the day, a sense of security and belonging that a child feels at home and where he/she feels safe and free enough to talk about things really counts. 

Awareness among teachers and parents about drugs abused today needs to go up. Awareness about the problems and pressures that youngsters face today is important. Schools and colleges can also contribute to combat the menace of alcohol and drugs. Having a counsellor in academic institutions is required in the fight for drug abuse, where students can talk about their problems and get guidance. 

Declaring that ours is ‘an-alcohol-and drug-free society’ alone doesn’t help. We’re merely living in denial. Closing our eyes and sealing up our ears wouldn’t dismiss the issue. Maintaining a non-judgmental attitude helps in dealing with people who have a drug or alcohol problem. 

"Over and above managing all extrinsic factors, we must teach our children to be assertive; to say ‘no, thankyou’. Our attitude today is that if it doesn’t affect me, it doesn’t concern me. Either we can choose to sit and crib about these problems or we can start doing something to fight this battle in our small, but definitely important, way."

References:

*SHALOM

*LAMKA REHABILITATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE

*CHURACHANDPUR DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT

*DISTRICT HOSPITAL CASUALTY AND TRAUMA DEPARTMENT

 

Note: This post is based on a small research project taken up by my friends and I in the year 2018, hence, the lengthy writing and the not-so-current data.