10/17/2021
Today, the problem of drug abuse among the youth has presumed a higher significance and increased concern in different socio-cultural and financial strata. Though no precise figures are offered to measure the actual level of the issue, drug addicts reporting to counseling in the nation explains that the problem has spread out amongst various age and much amongst youths aged 16 to 25 years. The age in which a youth is, symbolizes the change of a teen to a young adult, which generally is accompanied with the trials and adversities of a 'kid' in ending up being a 'grown-up'. A bundle of exuberant but undirected energy, he obtains satisfaction in taking threats and try out new things. He yearns for to taste the 'prohibited fruits' in his quest for achieving recognition and status amongst his peers. Such a behaviour frequently brings him in open or hidden dispute with his parents and 'parent figures' which results in the much discussed 'conflict of generations' and 'generation gap'. The scenario has actually been even more complicated due to the quick-paced social transformation generated the society by rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and rural-urban migration. It has actually eroded the traditional, casual, social control mechanisms and has actually even brought in changes in the structure of the family, from joint to nuclear, or at finest an extended family. The 'media explosion' has diminished the world, specifically for the youth, and they are now more familiar with things around. This has also raised their level of goal and aspiration. With materialism, consumerism and individualism gaining ascendancy, modern youth is drifting away from his conventional roots and finds it challenging to cope with ever increasing social pressures. Further, the increasing economic pressures force a growing number of moms and dads to take full-time work leaving a kid, more so a youth, alone in the house or in the business of friends. With no sufficient programmes readily available to keep them busy, they become easy prey to anti-social activities including drug-abuse. There might be various factors for a youth to require to substance abuse, from simply curiosity and a tendency to experiment with. It may be an expression of his revolt versus developed authority, a way of getting recognition in his group or he might simply not be able to state 'NO', when offered. Therefore awareness development or preventive education programme for youth is an important. In build up immunity among them, would promote self-regard and decision, supply experiences that motivate self-respect and sense of self-respect, boosts personal and social abilities which are essential for operating in a rapidly transforming society and offer expert abilities. What is more vital is that the leisure time activities of both student and non-student youth are so organised that they provide for healthy entertainment and positive work habits. As is evident, a youth feels more at home within his age-group. Therefore, to reach them, it is however natural to take the aid of more active groups amongst them. In Bangladesh, a strong focus has been put on awareness structure against drug-abuse among youth as they are considered to be the most valuable possession for personal advancement. Financial and technical support is offered by the federal government and NGO's to help them undertake activities such as socio cultural programmes. Experience has revealed such programs have a salutary impact, if backed by a good follow-up programme. It has likewise been realised that youth power can be harnessed not only from preventing youths from the malady of dependency however also by improving the environment they live in. One such example is the 'Rainy Day' performance organised by Prothom Alo to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking. Some 15000 youths stating 'No to drugs' swore to launch a nationwide motion against drug. I take my hats off to Anusheh who had the gut to narrate her as soon as druggie life. Anusheh, you can be a great ambassador to help the drug abuser go back to their original track. Such activities/programmes aid to identify addicts in their own peer groups. Dare devils as the youth are, they prove to be a property in reaching rather inaccessible areas of the neighborhood, such as, pockets of dependency. Lots of a time, due to their connection with traffickers, pushers and pedlars, it ends up being hard to impress upon addicts to leave their practice. It is here that the youths, voluntary organisations have actually not just had the ability to create awareness but likewise have been able to muster assistance for combating trafficking, pushing and pitching drug.
