Opinion | Cephalalgia – A Pain Called Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. Multiple neural networks in the brain including the reward system (e.g., the mesocorticolimbic system), the anti-reward/stress system e.g., the extended amygdala, and the central immune system, are involved in the development of drug addiction and relapse after withdrawal from drugs of abuse. Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that it is promising to control drug addiction by pharmacologically targeting the addiction-related systems in the brain. Here we review the pharmacological targets within the dopamine system, glutamate system, trace amine system, anti-reward system, and central immune system, which are of clinical interests.
People sometimes feel that they are too bright, too powerful, too much in control to become addictive. But the truth is that, ‘addiction can trap anyone, young or old, beautiful, or smart, some way or the other it enslaves you’.
Globally, over 200 million people consume one or other form of illicit drugs. From natural bhang, cannabis, opium to synthetic “designer” drugs like ecstasy or MDMA, barbiturate derivatives, benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam, amphetamines, Phenethylamine and Tryptamine derivatives; different forms of drugs that are available for inducing excitation, or euphoria.
No country is free from it, not even supergiant America. It is like a curse for a developing country like India. Because India has many existing problems like poverty, unemployment, child labour, female infanticide and overpopulation, harming its overall health as a state.Drug addiction (a nuisance) can harm your body, cause problems in family structure and contribute to the delinquency in society. It can even lead to crime as a result of reduced impulse control and negligence, consequently affecting the human welfare, law and order and economic production of a state.
Drug addiction is widespread and increasing at an alarming rate here in Kashmir. There is no shortage of supply and people enslaved arrange it very easily. Despite the fact that some drug peddlers are arrested by police, many youths are still involved in it and the numbers continue to swell. Yes, it initially starts with a cigarette puff, but the lust for it grows on.
Why do youth consume drugs? A question that seeks immediate attention. Yes, a mix-up with a bad company can be a reason for it. At a tender age one person tries  to get adjusted in society and for  that purpose he thinks of making friends, good friends. It is a human desire and a great need, because a human is social and interdependent. Good company is okay, but bad company is a slow-sweet poison. It provides easy access to such illicit drugs, resulting in a lifetime addiction. There are many  disturbed personalities suffering from this disease and their drug addiction has completely enslaved them.
Some causes may include taking drugs to cope up with stress, financial crises, interpersonal conflicts, poverty, family burden etc. But this is all nonsense. You can’t give up that way. If you are looking for  solutions to these problems or many others, you will surely get it. But taking drugs is no solution. Don’t you see the people living around you, who hate drugs and always advise you to quit. They too face such pressures, that’s what life is all about — struggle. What they do, they (wise) handle it beautifully and you (fool) fail miserably to handle it. Wake-up!
Addict, yes an addict, if he  really wants can surely get rid of drugs. The medicine is not the last hope, there are a good number of people  to help you, including many volunteers, self-help groups, NGOs and many other social institutions, who counsel and look after such people. There have been some efforts from the state government as well.Please remember that short term pleasure leads to long term distress, so don’t ruin your lives.Rest you do research yourself and acknowledge.