WORLD DRUG DAY LAUNCHED
World drug
campaign is scheduled to be launched on International Day against Drug abuse
and illicit trafficking on the next Saturday. It is a UN office on Drugs and
Crime [UNODC] on the theme “Think Health - not drugs”
Aim is
create awareness among youth on the ill effects the drugs would have on the
Health of the person - addictive substances, including alcohol, tobacco and
drugs, have far-reaching impacts on the health of those using them.
S. Nambi,
professor of psychiatry,
So, is
there a way to predict who might develop an addiction?
Impact of
the drug on the person varies in degrees depending upon the mental strength and
health of the person. Genetic angle is also possible if you have a history of
addiction in the family, then your chances are higher.
It is also
impossible to predict when use will turn to abuse and then to dependence, says
V.Thirumagal, counselor, T.T.Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation. This
depends on how much one uses, frequency and toxicity of the substance consumed.
Fact remains that it certainly affects the brain functioning; that will lead to
adjustment problems and even occupational impairment. The person becomes
totally useless for all practical purposes.
