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Unit 7: Essay Writing (Short Essays)

Drugs, broadly speaking, are chemical compounds which when consumed alter the way the body Notes
functions. Drugs are prescribed by physicians to cure diseases and sometimes to enhance physical
and mental capacities. But, psychotropic drugs accompany the risk of the patients’ becoming dependent
on them. They are classified into four groups. Tranquillisers, also known as depressants like calmpose
induce a feeling of calmness, relaxation and drowsiness. Opiate such as opium and heroin are physically
addictive. They are used as intoxicants to relieve pain. Stimulants like cocaine produce feelings of
excitement, increase self-confidence and flow of ideas. Hallucinogens can alter a person’s thoughts,
feelings and perception. LSD, marijuana, cannabis are different hallucinogens.
The profile of a majority of drug addicts are the same. They start off during teenage by smoking a
cigarette. And some of them graduate into bigger things like opium and smack. The first experience
with drugs is not very pleasant, but the kick or ecstasy it provides to the brain makes the user seek
more. The myth that the use of drug provides great peace and tranquility has led many people to fall
prey to this habit. Indeed, drugs have many dimensional effects on human body and mind, which
are highly harmful. People addicted to opium tend to loose weight and interest in work. They may
also become sterile. Heroin addicts suffer from muscle cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, shivering and
perspiration, if they are unable to procure their daily dose. LSD can cause severe damage to the
central nervous system. Drug abusers, being careless, run the risk of contracting many diseases like
blood poisoning, serum hepatitis and also AIDS after using contaminated needles. Failure in getting
their daily dose of drugs because of shortage of money, can also make them resort to crime and
murder. Drugs can reduce cognitive operations making it difficult for the youth to develop a functional
set of values and ideals. Reduced cognitive operations lead to poor academic performance and a
decline in self-esteem. A drug addict in due course gets alienated from the mainstream of the family,
neighbourhood and society.
Our country has been confronted with the problem of an increased trafficking in drugs. The northern
region is the hub of growers, suppliers and couriers. Cultivation of poppy and opium is legal in U.P.,
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for medicinal purposes, but a large part of it find its way into the
illegal trade. Drug trafficking is also patronised,by the politicians and the bureaucrats for their own
benefits. The amount of money involved in the trafficking has made the narcotics mafia stronger
than the government. The law enforcing departments often find it difficult to prosecute the criminals
because of their dubious involvements with the politicians.
A major portion of the drugs available in India is smuggled from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The
Government of India has enforced stringent laws to curb the menace of drug trafficking. The Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 has made drug offences non-bailable. The Narcotics
Control Bureau has, on several occasions, intercepted huge hauls of drugs. The government should
ban the cultivation of all the drug-yielding crops and provide the growers with alternate professions
to sustain themselves. Article 47 of the Constitution enjoins that the State shall endeavour to bring
about prohibition of consumption, except for medicinal purposes, intoxicating drinks and drugs
which are injurious to health. The Ministry of Welfare has been implementing the Scheme for
Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse since the year 1985-86. The Ministry is assisting 373
voluntary organisations for maintaining 459 centres all over the country. An amount of Rs. 22.50
crore was spent under the scheme in the year 2001-02.
Society, on its part, should also feel responsible towards the menace and help the government in
eradicating it. We just can’t blame the students. They find rank hypocrisy everywhere. They sec the
wide gulf of difference between the great values taught in the classrooms and the outside world of
elders that promote the sub-culture of corruption, greed, deceit and subtle violence. They can’t reconcile
these two extremes. The family being the basic unit of the society should make a concerted effort
towards the development of children. There should be regular counselling sessions in schools and
colleges to guide students to cope with the stress on campus and in their life after their academic
pursuits are complete. The NGOs like the Narcotics Anonymous give counselling and treatments to
several drug abusers and restore their shattered lives. The family, friends and relatives of the patient
should effectively contribute towards his rehabilitation.

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