Substance Abuse - A Global Problem
Journal Title: Journal of Karnataka Medico Legal Society - Year 2018, Vol 27, Issue 1
Abstract
Substance abuse is a growing social problem which has major public health concern across the world. The issue is posing challenges not only to criminal justice system but also to economic and social stability of many countries. As perceived by many of us, commonly called as drug abuse, the substance is not only just prevalent in high income countries, but also equally spread in the middle and low income countries to a larger extent. This complex problem has grown to such an extent that addressing the individual and social problems has become a herculean task. There are many factors which contribute for the prevalence of substance abuse in the world. Nobody is substance abuser by birth. As they grow up, acquire this character with the conducive and changing societal conditions. Fast growing economy, globalisation, change in lifestyles of people and weaker emotional links between the family members are pushing weak minds to the ocean of substance abuse. The substance abuse has impact on individuals, family and society at a large. It leads to homelessness, rescinds families and affects the community and social life. The victims’ life is affected by stress, missed job or struggling to keep the job which in turn can lead to financial and familial problems. It can also lead to many offences such as physical violence, drugged driving, sexual offence and many more. All of us, not only who are in medical field, but also the common people have the important responsibilities to play in curbing this major problem. As it has different facets to it, multicentered and multifaceted approach is very much essential in dealing with substance abuse problem. We must understand that it is a threat to the society and immediate intervention in preventing it is need of the hour. Substance abusers, the products of the society must be taken care by the society itself. Having stringent laws and harsh punishments are not the solutions to curb this problem. Emphatic approach, constant support to the abusers physically and mentally, open to their problems both by society and the government is essential. Society must embrace them whereas government must bring about legislations to rehabilitate the substance abusers. The constructive and coordinated approach from the individuals, society and the governments can make this world free of substance abusers.
Authors and Affiliations
Shankar M Bakkannavar
Keywords
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Substance Abuse - A Global Problem
Substance abuse is a growing social problem which has major public health concern across the world. The issue is posing challenges not only to criminal justice system but also to economic and social stability of many cou...