Rising Drug Abuse Among Youth

The Supreme Court of India has expressed concern over the rising drug abuse among youth, calling it a generational threat. This concern emerged during a verdict supporting the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe into a heroin smuggling case linked to Pakistan.

About Rising Drug Abuse

As per the World Drug Report 2024 released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), global drug use reached 292 million people, marking a 20% increase over the past decade.

Drug Preferences: Cannabis remains the most widely used drug (228 million users), followed by opioids (60 million), amphetamines (30 million), cocaine (23 million), and ecstasy (20 million).

Drug Addiction:

Drug addiction is on the rise, with approximately 100 million people in India affected by various narcotics according to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Punjab recorded the highest number of FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) between 2019 and 2021.

Alcohol: According to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2019), conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 16 crore people (14.6%) between ages 10 and 75 are current alcohol users. Of these, 5.2% are alcohol dependents (alcoholism).

Major Drug-Producing Regions:

Golden Crescent: Comprising Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, it remains a primary hub for opium production, impacting Indian states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Golden Triangle: Located at the intersection of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, this region is notorious for heroin production, with Myanmar producing 80% of the world’s heroin. Trafficking routes pass through Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and India.

What are Different Drug Types and Substances?

Drug Type	Characteristics
Stimulants	Stimulants stimulate the central nervous system, increasing alertness and physical activity. They can cause mood swings, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and anxiety. Examples: Cocaine
Depressants	Depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers, slow down the central nervous system, causing relaxation. Examples: Barbiturates and tranquilizers
Hallucinogens	Hallucinogens alter perception, causing emotional swings, paranoia, delusions, and confusion. Though not physically addictive, they can lead to lasting psychological harm. Examples: LSD, Ecstasy, Psilocybin (magic mushrooms).
Dissociative Drugs	Dissociative drugs cause detachment from the body and environment, impairing motor functions and causing confusion. Examples: Ketamine, DXM (Dextromethorphan).
Opioids	These are highly addictive and induce pain relief and euphoria. Examples: Heroin, Opium, Pharmaceutical painkillers (e.g., codeine, morphine).
Inhalants	Inhalants can cause headaches, nausea, loss of coordination, and in severe cases, suffocation or death. Examples: Gasoline, Paint Thinners, Amyl Nitrite.
Cannabis	Cannabis, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is commonly used in forms like marijuana, hashish, and hash oil. Its abuse impairs memory, and concentration, and can lead to paranoia, addiction, and long-term cognitive issues. Examples: Marijuana, Hashish, Hash Oil.