Why are Indian youth becoming victims of drug addiction? What is the solution ?

Drug addiction is emerging as a worldwide threat. Especially developing countries like India are rapidly becoming victims of this threat.What could be the reasons for this danger in a country like India? It’s important to note that drug addiction is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, and it can vary within region as well.
The way that society views drug usage has changed, particularly among younger people. Increased experimentation and addiction may be caused by peer pressure, media influence, and the belief that drug use is hip or socially acceptable.
In India, the abuse of prescription medications—including sedatives and opioids—has grown to be a serious problem. These drugs’ easy availability, lax regulations, and ignorance of their potentially addictive properties have all led to overuse and eventual addiction.

In almost all areas of India, the youth population is becoming its major victim. No Indian state is free from this problem. There are some states where drug addiction rates are scary. Among these states, Punjab is among the states with the highest drug abuse rate.
Drug abuse has been a major problem in the Indian state of Punjab. Due to the high rate of drug addiction and substance abuse issues in Punjab, the area has seen social, economic, and health-related difficulties. Here are some important details regarding drug misuse in Punjab:

1.Geographical location: Punjab borders Pakistan, a well-known hub for drug trafficking from Afghanistan, a significant producer of illegal substances. Drugs are more likely to reach Punjab because of its close proximity to these drug-producing areas.

2.High rates of addiction: Punjab has been shown to have some of India’s highest rates of drug addiction. The issue has impacted residents of all socioeconomic backgrounds in the state’s rural and urban districts.

3.Accessibility and availability: The high rates of addiction have been exacerbated by the easy access to narcotics such as amphetamines, heroin, and opium as well as synthetic drugs like opioids. Drugs are freely accessible in Punjab due to the sophistication of the drug trade networks and smuggling methods.

4.Socioeconomic factors: Punjab has previously experienced severe economic hardships, such as joblessness, a lack of possibilities, and agrarian crises. The state’s social fabric has suffered as a result of these elements as well as the impact drug abuse has on people and families.

5.Cultural factors: The ingestion of opium or cannabis-based products is one of the classic forms of drug usage in Punjab’s past. On the other hand, addiction-related issues have been exacerbated by the misuse and abuse of these substances.

6.Health effects: Substance addiction has led to negative health effects, such as a rise in HIV/AIDS and hepatitis infections because intravenous drug users share needles. Addicts who struggle with mental health conditions such as sadness, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and feelings are not uncommon.

Steps taken by governments :
Indian government’s steps against the dangers of drug abuse:
The Government of India has issued a toll free number1800-11-0031, from this helpline you can get information related to drug addiction, prevention and awareness and other information. This is a meaningful step by the Government of India towards the increasing dangers of drug abuse in India.
The Punjabi government and other groups have acknowledged the gravity of the drug abuse issue and taken action to combat it. The creation of drug de-addiction centers and rehabilitation facilities, awareness campaigns, and community involvement initiatives are some of the measures taken to prevent drug misuse and offer assistance to those who are affected. Law enforcement has also been stepped up to combat drug trafficking.