The All India Executive Committee and Representative Assembly meeting (Pratinidhi Sabha) of Rashtra Sevika Samiti also passed a resolution on ‘The Rising Trend of Substance Abuse Among Youth – A Serious Crisis’, in its 3-day meet.
“Youth are the future of the nation. They are the backbone of any country. Their energy, ideas, and determination shape the direction and destiny of the nation. Youth play a crucial role not only in the economic sector but also in the preservation and promotion of Indian heritage. They are flagbearers of our rich culture. Their dedication and innovation in various fields are earning global recognition for India,” the resolution reads.
However, the growing inclination towards substance abuse among youth is becoming a serious challenge for both society and the nation. “According to a 2023 report by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 25 crore (250 million) youth in India are addicted to some form of intoxicant. This addiction is also rapidly increasing among women. Statistics show that 1.6 per cent of women consume alcohol, 0.26 per cent use opioids, 0.34 per cent use cannabis, and 8.9 per cent use tobacco. In December 2022, the Government informed the Supreme Court that 1.58 crore (15.8 million) adolescents aged 10–17 use alcohol, cannabis, or opioids. Various surveys indicate that 75.5 per cent of them began using substances before the age of 20,” the resolution reads.
Notably, the attraction towards substance abuse and its increasing social acceptance has surged significantly over the past few decades.
“The influence of media and ‘celebrity culture’ is promoting this behaviour, which urgently needs to be socially condemned. Academic, career, and societal pressures push youth into mental stress, making them turn to addictive substances like alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, cannabis, and opioids. Negative peer influence, family instability, the rat race for careers, the illusion of fashion and modernity, along with the glamor of films and social media, all contribute to drive youth towards addiction. Many terrorist organizations are strengthening this web of drugs to weaken the younger generation,” the resolution further reads.
The resolution also said that these addictions have a bad impact on health. “The consequences of these addictions are severe: deteriorating physical health, mental depression, academic and career downfall, rise in crime, disintegration of family structures, suicides due to drug abuse, promiscuity, increase in diseases, involvement in theft, violence, and illegal activities. Youth begin to neglect social norms, moral boundaries, and cultural values. As a result, we witness inappropriate behaviour in public places, foul language, provocative dressing, or participation in antisocial activities.”
The resolution also mentioned the need to rescue youth from the darkness of addiction. “This is not just the responsibility of an individual or an organisation but a duty of the entire society. Understanding their emotional needs, reforming the education system, providing positive guidance, encouraging active participation in cultural activities, launching Government and societal initiatives, running de-addiction campaigns, ensuring availability of rehabilitation centers, enforcing strict laws, and utilising social media responsibly – all can play a decisive role.”
“Any form of addiction among youth is not merely a personal issue but an attack on the foundation of the nation. Society, families, the Government, and the youth themselves must recognize this grave crisis and launch a strong, united movement against addiction. If today’s youth progress free from addiction, then the future will undoubtedly be one of a healthy, capable, and proud India,” the resolution reads.
The Samiti’s Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini and Pratinidhi Sabha also appealed to the youth to recognise the purpose of their lives and adopt sports, yoga, music, and service activities in place of addiction. “Awaken yourself and inspire others as well,” it said.
The Samiti further appealed to society to build an atmosphere of communication, affection, and support with the youth. It urged voluntary organisations, teachers, and parents to actively participate in this campaign against addiction and stand by it as their own cause.
Pratinidhi Sabha further requested the Central and State Governments of India to make anti-addiction programs mandatory in all educational institutions including schools and colleges. “There must be effective control over harmful entertainment and communication channels. The number and quality of rehabilitation centers should be increased. Strict punitive action must be taken against those involved in the drug trade and the forces that protect them,” it said.
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