De-addiction Counselling and Programs - A must for Indian Youth

Addiction is a global concern that affects people, their families, and society as a whole. Though it is true that addiction affects people of all ages in the same way, young people somehow get quickly affected by addiction.

According to a report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, during their teenage, the brains of young people are in the growing phase, due to which they become susceptible to the rewarding effects of alcohol and substance abuse and overlook the long-term consequences.

According to a research study, A Study on the Implications of Addiction on the Youth of India, 10% of the adolescent population in India may be affected by alcohol addiction and substance abuse. There are several factors that contribute to the rising dependence on alcohol among Indian youth, including peer pressure, stress, easy availability, and social media influence.

Factors Contributing to the Rise of Addiction Among Indian Youth

Unhealthy Competition

Young people in Indian society are under tremendous pressure to achieve academic and professional success. A culture of comparison, competitive exams, and pressure of proving their capabilities lead to severe stress and anxiety, due to which these young people start using drugs as they believe that this option provides brief relief from this intense pressure.

Treating Drugs as a Coping Mechanism

Today’s education system focuses more on competition and success and ignores the importance of basic life skills. Many young people in India lack healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges, due to which turning to substances can then seem like the only way to cope.

Peer Pressure and Experimentation:

Young people are greatly influenced by their social groups. Adolescents may find it challenging to resist during friend gatherings and parties because of a culture of “fitting in” and a fear of social rejection. They want to be accepted by their friend groups, even after knowing the potential risks.

The Mental Health Conflict:

Substance misuse and mental health problems are closely related. Substance abuse is more common among young people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or ADHD. People start taking drugs as a means of self-medication and numbing their emotional suffering.

Sociocultural Aspects

The role of socioeconomic inequality is noteworthy. Addiction may be more common in young people from underprivileged families because of things like poverty, a lack of options, and exposure to abuse or violence. The situation is further compounded by the easy access to inexpensive medications, especially in rural regions.

The Lack of Support Stigma:

One of the biggest obstacles to getting help is the stigma associated with addiction. Young individuals who suffer frequently experience social isolation, embarrassment, and judgmental fears. This stigma also affects families, who might be reluctant to talk about the issue because of social pressure. Uncertainty about available options for addiction treatment impedes access to assistance even further.

Social Media Influence:

There are two sides to the growing influence of technology. Even though social media and online gaming provide connections and information, overindulgence in these activities can result in low self-esteem, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Substance misuse as a coping strategy may, therefore, be triggered by these circumstances.

Why De-Addiction Counselling is Crucial for Indian Youth

According to a survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 2018, around 1.30% of the children and adolescents in the country are alcohol users. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction, funding preventative initiatives, and fostering a positive atmosphere, we can enable the youth of the country to overcome this obstacle. Also, de-addiction centers play an important role in supporting people in their recovery journey.

Breaking Stigma

Young people are frequently isolated and discouraged from getting assistance due to the stigma associated with addiction. Counseling offers a private, secure setting where clients can discuss their challenges honestly and without fear of judgements. It promotes self-acceptance, an essential initial step in the healing process.

Identifying Triggers

According to research by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Relapse rates among young people in India can reach 40% in the first year following therapy. Counselors help young people identify the circumstances and triggers that cause them to use substances. They can create coping strategies to withstand cravings and control their urges in a healthier way by being aware of these triggers.

Handling Co-occurring Disorders:

Addiction, depression, anxiety, and ADHD frequently coexist. By recognizing and addressing these underlying mental health conditions, counseling can support the development of a comprehensive recovery strategy.

Developing Coping Mechanisms:

A lot of youth do not have the appropriate coping mechanisms needed to handle emotional difficulties, stress, or worry. According to a 2019 study by the Centre for Addiction Medicine (CAM), 60% of young people in India receiving addiction treatment lacked effective coping mechanisms. Through the provision of tools such as relaxation techniques, communication skills, and healthy coping mechanisms for negative emotions, de-addiction counseling empowers clients to make better decisions.

Relapse prevention:

The road to recovery is continuous, and one may encounter several obstacles. Young people who get counseling are given relapse prevention tools. Their ability to recognize warning signals and create a support network enables them to continue on their path in the face of difficulties.

A Key To Long-Term Recovery

When combined with greater availability and knowledge, de-addiction counseling can be a very effective technique for helping young Indian people overcome their addictions. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted in a 2019 study the need for greater resources to establish treatment centers in India and train counselors.

With the necessary tools and support, de-addiction centers can be a great support for people for their long-lasting recovery.