Drug Abuse Among Youth - Drug Abuse Among Youth To Be Tackled

Increasing drug abuse among the youth is now a cause of concern in most parts of the world. As more and more young people take to drug abuse, they not only harm themselves and their families but harm the whole society as well. It is an immediate need for all of us to tackle this menace, before our youth end up destroying themselves completely. Education to create awareness among the youth about the deadly consequences of drug abuse and formulation of tough anti-drug laws can help us tackle this growing menace.

There is little doubt that it is tough to tackle drug abuse among the youth. But unless we do something about it without delay, the problem will only worsen which will be even more difficult to handle. In order to tackle drug abuse among the youth, the best way perhaps is imparting proper education. If they are educated properly about the harmful effects of drug abuse, it is likely that they will try to kick the habit. For this purpose, local school districts will have to come forward to introduce comprehensive drug abuse programs.

It is a good sign that a number of councils have been set up to coordinate community and school prevention and educational efforts. It should also be remembered that this education should not be meant only for young drug abusers; the whole society should be part of such educational programs so that older people can set a good example for the youth. If the youth observe that the society they belong to is drug-free, chances are that they also won't pick that harmful habit.

Nowadays worried communities are bonding together to organize events to educate parents and the youth about the consequences of drug abuse. The church and the police are organizing such events with a fair amount of success. Such events bring community leaders together, along with youth, to provide resources and a platform to discuss solutions to drug abuse problems.

Once you suspect that your young son/daughter has begun drug abuse, you may consult with an educational consultant to help you find the right program for your child or discuss with your clergy about possible spiritual and practical guidance. Or, if he/she needs medical help, you must visit your physician or pediatrician or consult with a counselor or therapist.

Various factors must be considered when considering treatment for drug abuse. These include age, developmental stage, maturity, values, culture and also gender. The family of a youth has a key role to play during his/her treatment. Medications used for drug abuse treatment are different for different types of addiction. If a dual or co-occurring diagnosis is made, medication is administered in accordance with the co-existing disorder. Detoxification of the victim, which is the starting point of treatment, can be performed either on an outpatient or inpatient basis, depending on the severity of the addiction.

In fact, drug abuse among the youth is presently one of the most serious drug-related health and social concerns all over the world. We must, therefore, take every possible measure to tackle this menace and create useful, meaningful, and socially productive roles for the youth in our society.

• Felicia Byrnes
• 18/04/2009, 6:59 PM
• 0 Comments