DRUG ABUSE - A HURDLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY BY - ANANYAA CHANDAK
AUTHORED BY - ANANYAA
CHANDAK
From Addiction to Economy: Understanding
the Detrimental Effects of Drug Abuse on Development
Drug
abuse is one of the major economic problems affecting the physical and mental life of individuals and society, thus a
hinder in development of nation. Drug abuse (or substance abuse) means an over indulgence in a drug or chemical
substance. Drug usage is been
increasing day by day in the society. Drug abuse inflicts immeasurable harm on
public health and safety around the
world each year, and threatens the peaceful development and smooth functioning of many societies. An
understanding of the economic costs of drug abuse is necessary to develop policies that reduce such costs. Taking
a glance at world, as of today, there is no fraction
of the world hat is free from drug abuse. India is also caught in this vicious
problem of drug abuse. Drug addiction causes a huge cost on human resources, directly hindering economic development of
the nation. Drug abuse has a direct and fatal
impact on social and economic aspect of the nation. It not only causes
disturbance in one’s harmony but also
puts high economic burden on the society. The impact left is immeasurable. The usage, production and marketing of
drugs, emergence of a class of drug consumers is a huge challenge for mankind. It ultimately leads to unemployment,
weak human resources, weak brain
power, unhealthy society and increasing crime at large.
Drug
addiction is most common in the teenagers. Be it either peer pressure or study pressure, one’s carelessness led them to
these mud pith of drugs. Ones stuck it becomes
difficult for one to overcome these. Drug abuse does not depend on any
single factor (no single factor can
be identified as a contributor). There’re multiple factors interplaying with each other and leading the individual to
the trap of drugs or substance addiction. Adolescents (teenagers) are more prone to usage of those substances, as they
are in their developing stage and a
slightest change in their environment or mental health can led them to these
mud pith of drugs. Family discords,
community acceptance, failures in life and academics, peer pressure, and ganging are some of the prime reasons
which propel individuals to resort to drug abuse. Few teenagers consume substance to show off their wealth and
power, while some to act cool but its consumption is reflection of poor personality. It’s easy to fall but it takes more courage, determination and most
importantly willpower to get out of its grip. In many cases, drug abuse
leads to school dropouts and poor
learning outcomes.
Health
is wealth. It is wisely said that the
closest friend of a person is his body. Healthy
body and healthy mind make a person wealthy and wise. Drug abuse has direct impact on public health and safety. It hampers the peaceful development and smooth functioning of the society. Even roads are
not safer as road safety is compromised due to
addiction. 90% of the road accidents occur due to consumption of alcohol and drugs. Usage of drugs means deteriorating one’s health which directly leads to weak minds, poor personality
and unhealthy relations, indirectly affecting economical growth and development of the nation.
Is
drug abuse a hurdle in the development of the economy? Frankly yes. Drug abuse can and is indeed a hurdle in the development of the nation’s
economy. It has several negative
consequences, including decreased productivity, healthcare costs,
increasing crime, education and workforce
development, and social costs. Beyond health costs, people under the influence of drugs safety risks and costs
to people around them and the environment. For
example, drug-affected driving accidents have emerged as a major global
threat in recent years. Additionally,
a greater awareness of the impacts on the environment of illicit drug cultivation, production and manufactured
has emerged. A further cost of drug abuse that is often cited is the loss in productivity that can occur when drug users are under the influence of drugs or are experiencing the
consequences of their drug use. Study have put the costs of lost productivity
borne by employers at ten of billions of dollars.
Drug abuse
is a pressing issue that affects societies
worldwide, exacting a toll that goes beyond its immediate
health and social consequences. Economic
development encompasses
various factors, the impact of drug abuse a long shadow, impairing
productivity, increasing healthcare
costs, and destabilizing communities. Drug abuse poses a formidable obstacle to economic development. Its
far-reaching effects undermine productivity, inflate healthcare costs, contribute to crime rates, and disrupt
education and workforce development. To
foster economic growth, it is essential for governments and communities to
address drug abuse through
comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. By doing so, we
can not only enhance the well-being of individuals but also create an environment conducive to sustained economic
progress. Preventing drug abuse is
crucial in ensuring the well-being of individuals and the overall development
of society. Educational institutions
and communities play a vital role in raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting
prevention strategies. Strict measures, such as implementing anti-drug programs, providing counseling services,
and fostering a supportive environment,
can help deter drug abuse and protect individual from its harmful effects. Together,
we can work towards creating
a drug-free and thriving community.
