The problem of drug abuse has been prevalent over the past few decades. With every passing day, it is gaining more and more strength, and getting more vicious. The number of people getting addicted to drugs, developing diseases and disorders due to it, dying due to drug related health condition, having any co-morbid disease or disorder and overdose is increasing with every passing day. Even though such practices are strongly detested by authoritative officials and measures are being taken to control this epidemic, very little effect is seen on the whole.
The problem is not just about the present generation; it also involves the coming generations. We may not realize the magnitude of this blow today but 15-20 years down the road, the after effects of this epidemic are going to hit us hard. It is a vicious cycle that will continue gaining momentum unless it is brought to a complete halt.
The number of children and adolescents using drugs including alcohol, cocaine, prescription drugs, LSD, MDMA, etc., is increasing by leaps and bounds every year. The National Survey of Health and Drug Use reflects a very threatening image of the future if the current patterns keep following the same trend. We are looking at a picture of drug addicted generations that are dependent on all kinds of drugs from an age where their mind and body is still developing. This poses a serious risk not only to their health, but also their productivity, capabilities, and skills.
We are also looking at a future of children being born with serious physical and mental disorders due to the usage of drugs by their parents, especially the mother. This means that a good share of the new generation is at a risk of starting a life full of disabilities and being dependent on the society instead of being able to fully, positively, and healthily contribute towards its betterment.
Children might be raised without a proper and healthy family environment due to the interference of drugs in their and their parents’ lives or immature death due to several risky conditions associated with drug use. Family life would be highly compromised and a chance of unhealthy upbringing and nourishment of the children affected.
We may not see or fully comprehend the dark shadows this malpractice of drug use has for our future but if it is not taken care of soon, learning to control it in the future might come at the cost of our younger generations. Making policies will not make any difference unless they are practically and effectively manifested. Strict control over the import, production, and distribution of all kinds of drugs is extremely important.
Another important issue that has made the news is the abuse of opioiods, both by patients and sometimes by doctors. The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) offers a flyer from the New York City Department of Health on opioid abuse and is worth reading.