Today, drug addiction has become one of the biggest problems in society. It is spreading rapidly among people, especially among the youth. Drugs are destroying health, peace, families, and the future of many young people. Every day, many families suffer because one of their members becomes addicted to drugs. This issue is creating fear and sadness in society. To fight this serious problem, the government of Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Honorable Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha started the “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir” campaign. This 100-day campaign is a very important step towards building a healthy and drug-free society.
Across Jammu and Kashmir, people from schools, colleges, social organizations, villages, and communities are participating in this campaign. Awareness programs, rallies, seminars, and counselling sessions are being organized to educate people about the harmful effects of drugs. This campaign is giving hope to society and encouraging people to work together against addiction.
If we look at the present situation, drugs are affecting many families. Addiction harms the person who consumes drugs and also deeply affects parents, relatives, friends, and neighbours. Families lose peace and happiness because of addiction. The addicted person slowly loses interest in studies, work, relationships, and social life. Many people in society stop trusting such individuals, which increases their loneliness and emotional pain. As a result, the person becomes disconnected from the community and loses confidence in life.
One important issue is that many families fail to identify addiction at the right time. Sometimes parents and relatives do not understand the signs and behaviour of a person who is involved in drugs. Accordingly to research there are several changes that can help families recognize this problem early.
A person involved in drugs often avoids normal daily activities. Many addicts stay away from cold water or even regular water used in homes. They may ignore cleanliness and hygiene. Sometimes they eat food without caring whether their hands are clean or dirty. Their daily habits suddenly change, and they become careless about personal health and routine activities.
Another important sign is the disappearance of medicines and valuable items from the house. Families often notice that money or useful household items are missing. Along with this, medicines such as painkillers, sleeping tablets, antibiotics, or syrups may disappear from medical kits kept at home. Some addicted individuals misuse these medicines in harmful ways. This is why parents and family members should carefully monitor medicines stored at home and keep them in safe places.
Changes in friendship and social behaviour are also common signs. A person involved in drugs may suddenly leave old friends and start spending time with new groups. They may avoid family gatherings and remain isolated most of the time. Some people also make excuses about illness and tell neighbours or relatives that they are taking medicines for health problems. These excuses are often used to hide addiction from society.
The most worrying part of this issue is that many young people are becoming victims of addiction. Youth are the future of every nation. Their dreams, education, skills, and energy are important for the progress of society. When young people become addicted to drugs, the future of society also suffers. Many students lose concentration in studies, become mentally weak, and move away from their goals. Addiction also leads some youth towards crime, violence, and depression.
There are many reasons why young people move towards drugs. One major reason is the lack of emotional support at home. Many young people are unable to share their feelings, stress, fears, or personal problems with family members. When children feel ignored or emotionally distant from parents, they may search for comfort in wrong places. Loneliness, frustration, and stress often push them towards harmful habits.
The surroundings of these Individuals matter significantly too. When a person grows in bad conditions or gets surrounded by people who smoke and abuse drugs, he/she will definitely acquire the same behavior. The peer pressure and curiosity of these youngsters also work as catalysts for drug use. Some teenagers may start taking drugs to show off among friends or prove themselves brave or trendy. Gradually, they get addicted to the drug abuse habit.
In this difficult situation, the role of family becomes extremely important. Parents must build strong communication with their children and create an atmosphere of trust at home. Children should feel safe while sharing their emotions and problems with parents. Families should spend quality time together and guide children with patience, love, and understanding. Positive family support can protect youth from negative influences.
Among all family members, the role of a mother is very special. A mother is the first teacher of a child. She understands the emotions, behaviour, and struggles of her children more deeply than anyone else. A caring mother can protect her children from wrong paths by teaching discipline, moral values, and respect from an early age. She can help children understand the difference between right and wrong and teach them how to face difficult situations with courage and patience.
Motherhood can help the child remain resilient amid any stressful situations. Motherhood ensures that they learn that issues must be addressed by working hard, being optimistic and believing in God, instead of resorting to destructive behaviors. Emotional security through maternal guidance ensures that the child feels more resilient and secure within themselves.
Society must also share its part in the battle against drugs. The role of teachers, religious scholars, social workers, and other community leaders along with organizations for the youth in promoting awareness among students about the negative effects of addiction is still important. Students in schools and colleges should be encouraged to attend counseling sessions and physical activities to develop healthy habits. The community must also accept the addicts who have recovered rather than totally isolating them from society.
The “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir” campaign is sending a strong message that society must unite against drugs. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect the younger generation and create a safer future. Families, schools, communities, and the government must continue working together with dedication and sincerity.
To sumup, drug addiction is becoming a serious threat to society and the future of youth. Awareness, family support, guidance, and strong community efforts are necessary to overcome this challenge. The “Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir” campaign is a hopeful step towards peace, health, and progress. If every individual plays their role responsibly, Jammu and Kashmir can become a stronger, healthier, and drug-free society for future generations.
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