Amity University Madhya Pradesh

Amity Law School

Gwalior

Sociology- IIA Project work on “Life of Youth and Drug Addiction”

Submitted To: Submitted By:

Dr. Saroj Choudhary Raj Kishor

Assistant Professor B.A., LLB (H.)

ALS

INDEX

1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..1

2. Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse…………………………………………………………1

3. Types of Drugs……………………………………………………………………………..2

4. Drugs and Brain…………………………………………………………………………...2

5. Drugs and Health………………………………………………………………………….3

6. Drugs and Youth…………………………………………………………………………..5

7. How to Know if Someone is Drug Addict…….……………………………………….....7

8. Prevention of Drug Addiction…………………………………………………………….8

9. Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….9

10. Bibliography………………………………………….....................................................11

INTRODUCTION

We are talking about drug addiction, so first of all we should know about drugs that what are

drugs? All substances other than food that changes our mental and physical life are known as

drugs. Drugs are mostly used for medical treatment. But many drugs are used other than

medical treatment. Drugs effect our mental health if it not taken with proper precautions.

Illegally use of drugs for other than medical uses become harmful for health and after some

time a person is addicted to a drug that he uses. When a person takes drug in too much

quantity for a long time, he will become addicted or dependent on that drug. If he will not

take drug than he will be uncomfortable and behave improper. He will lose all his senses if a

proper quantity of drug will not be provided to him. Dependency on the drugs is termed as

drug addiction. Drug addiction is main problem in each and every society. Drug addiction

includes intoxication under alcohol, heroin, cocaine, tobacco, inhalant, marijuana, opium,

etc., all these are categorised under narcotics drugs.

India has highest number of youth population. Youth is the backbone of a country but if

backbone of a country will not healthy than how can a country’s progress. Population of India

has reached over 1 billion and amongst them over 3 million people are drug addicted. So,

how can a country progress and develop itself. Adolescent are the most effected by drug

addiction. Drug addiction is a psychological disease that affects our mental health as well as

physical health. For prevention of drug addiction there is no specific treatment instead of

awareness of harmful effects of drugs.

DRUG ADDICTION AND DRUG ABUSE

Drug addiction and drug abuse both are two different terms but people used these

interchangeably as they think that both are same. A person can be drug abused without being

drug addicted. Both terms are different from each other. Drug abuse definitions focuses more

on the way a person consumes drugs, while the drug addiction definition focuses on the uses

of drugs and psychological and physiological effects of drugs on body.

Drug abuse is a generic term for abuse of any drug, including tobacco, inhalant and alcohol.

But drug addiction is not limited to the abuse of drugs; it is a bad habit of consuming drugs

1

that is very difficult to leave even after numerous of attempts. Alcohol is also covered under

drug abuse and drug addiction because it has also so many bad effects on health.

TYPES OF DRUGS

According to Castle Craig Hospital - one of Europe’s leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation

centres all drugs are fall into categories of stimulants, depressants, opiates and hallucinogens.

All these types of drugs are addictive, induce dependence and have different effects on the

human brain and body.

Stimulants- Stimulants act on the central nervous system and are associated with

feelings of extreme well-being, increased mental and motor activity. Examples

include cocaine, crack cocaine, amphetamines (speed) and ecstasy (which is also a

hallucinogen). 

Depressants- Depressants are chemicals that slow down the central nervous system

and suppress brain activity causing relief from anxiety. The most common depressants

are alcohol and cannabis. Others include barbiturates and benzodiazepines (e.g.

valium, temazepam). 

Opiates & Opioids- Opiate and opioid drugs provide pain relief, euphoria, and

sedation and in increasing doses induce coma. Examples include heroin, morphine,

opium, methadone, dipipanone and pethidine.

Hallucinogens- Hallucinogens cause changes in a person's perception of reality. These

include cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and psilocybin (magic mushrooms).

DRUGS AND BRAIN

The brain is a communication centre consisting of billions of neurons, or nerve cells.

Networks of neurons pass messages from back and forth among different structure within the

brain, the spinal cord, and nerves in the rest of the body (the peripheral nervous system).

These nerve networks coordinate and regulate everything we feel, think, and do.

Drugs are chemicals that affect the brain by tapping into its communication system and

interfering with the way neurons normally send, receive, and process information. Some

drugs, such as marijuana and heroin, can activate neurons because their chemical structure

mimics that of a natural neurotransmitter. This similarity in structure “fools” receptors and

2

allows the drugs to attach onto and activate the neurons. Although these drugs mimic the

brain’s own chemicals, they don’t activate neurons in the same way as a natural

neurotransmitter, and they lead to abnormal messages being transmitted through the network.

Other drugs, such as amphetamine or cocaine, can cause the neurons to release abnormally

large amounts of natural neurotransmitters or prevent the normal recycling of these brain

chemicals. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message, ultimately disrupting

communication channels.

Stopping drug use doesn’t immediately return the brain to normal. Some drugs have toxic

effects that can kill neurons—and most of these cells will not be replaced. And while changes

to connections between neurons in the brain may not be permanent, some last for months.

Some research suggests the changes may even last for years.

Long-lasting brain changes can make it challenging for addicts to stay drug-free. They often

experience intense cravings, leading to relapse.

DRUGS AND HEALTH

A person who is drug addicted suffered from one or more serious disease. Different drugs

have different harmful effects on health which may include lung or cardiovascular disease,

stroke, cancer, and mental disorders. Some effects of specific abused substances are-

Nicotine is an addictive stimulant found in cigarettes and other forms of tobacco.

Tobacco smoke increases a user’s risk of cancer, emphysema, bronchial disorders,

and cardiovascular disease. The mortality rate associated with tobacco addiction is

staggering. Tobacco use killed approximately 100 million people during the 20th

century, and, if current smoking trends continue, the cumulative death toll for this

century has been projected to reach 1 billion.

Alcohol consumption can damage the brain and most body organs. Areas of the brain

that are especially vulnerable to alcohol-related damage are the cerebral cortex

(largely responsible for our higher brain functions, including problem solving and

decision making), the hippocampus (important for memory and learning), and the

cerebellum (important for movement coordination).

3

Marijuana is the most commonly abused illegal substance. This drug impairs short-

term memory and learning, the ability to focus attention, and coordination. It also

increases heart rate, can harm the lungs, and can increase the risk of psychosis in

those with an underlying vulnerability.

Prescription medications, including opioid pain relievers (such as OxyContinand

Vicodin), anti-anxiety sedatives (such as Valium and Xanax), and ADHD stimulants

(such as Adderalland Ritalin), are commonly misused to self-treat for medical

problems or abused for purposes of getting high or (especially with stimulants)

improving performance. However, misuse or abuse of these drugs (that is, taking

them other than exactly as instructed by a doctor and for the purposes prescribed) can

lead to addiction and even, in some cases, death. Opioid pain relievers, for instance,

are frequently abused by being crushed and injected or snorted, greatly raising the risk

of addiction and overdose. Unfortunately, there is a common misperception that

because medications are prescribed by physicians, they are safe even when used

illegally or by another person than they were prescribed for.

Inhalants are volatile substances found in many household products, such as oven

cleaners, gasoline, spray paints, and other aerosols, that induce mind-altering effects;

they are frequently the first drugs tried by children or young teens. Inhalants are

extremely toxic and can damage the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Even a healthy

person can suffer heart failure and death within minutes of a single session of

prolonged sniffing of an inhalant.

Cocaine is a short-acting stimulant, which can lead users to take the drug many times

in a single session (known as a “binge”). Cocaine use can lead to severe medical

consequences related to the heart and the respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems.

Amphetamines, including methamphetamine, are powerful stimulants that can

produce feelings of euphoria and alertness. Methamphetamine’s effects are

particularly long-lasting and harmful to the brain. Amphetamines can cause high body

temperature and can lead to serious heart problems and seizures.

4

MDMA (Ecstasy or "Molly") produces both stimulant and mind-altering effects. It

can increase body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and heart-wall stress.

MDMA may also be toxic to nerve cells.

LSD is one of the most potent hallucinogenic, or perception-altering, drugs. Its effects

are unpredictable, and abusers may see vivid colours and images, hear sounds, and

feel sensations that seem real but do not exist. Users also may have traumatic

experiences and emotions that can last for many hours.

Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that produces euphoria and feelings of relaxation. It

slows respiration, and its use is linked to an increased risk of serious infectious

diseases, especially when taken intravenously. People who become addicted to opioid

pain relievers sometimes switch to heroin instead, because it produces similar effects

and may be cheaper or easier to obtain.

Steroids, which can also be prescribed for certain medical conditions, are abused to

increase muscle mass and to improve athletic performance or physical appearance.

Serious consequences of abuse can include severe acne, heart disease, liver problems,

stroke, infectious diseases, depression, and suicide.

Drug combinations. A particularly dangerous and common practice is the combining

of two or more drugs. The practice ranges from the co-administration of legal drugs,

like alcohol and nicotine, to the dangerous mixing of prescription drugs, to the deadly

combination of heroin or cocaine with fentanyl (an opioid pain medication). Whatever

the context, it is critical to realize that because of drug–drug interactions, such

practices often pose significantly higher risks than the already harmful individual

drugs.

DRUGS AND YOUTH

There is no such special age of consuming the drugs. Drugs are used by all age group people.

Normally, a person starts his first drug consumption in teenage. Most of people start drug

consumption in their school life. Young age is a learning age in everyone’s life that what is

wrong or right. Teenage is a stage of maturity of our mind. In this stage how we will put our

mind that way it will develop. Teenage is most influential age in everyone’s life with many

5

ups and downs. Being drugs abuse there are many reason that why people uses drugs. Some

of them are following that why youth uses drugs.

Other People- Teenagers see lots of people using various substances. They see their parents

and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking, and, sometimes, using other substances. Also, the

teen social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking pot. Sometimes friends urge

one another to try a drink or smoke something, but it’s just as common for teens to start using

a substance because it’s readily available and they see all their friends enjoying it. In their

minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.

Escape and Self-Medication- When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for

their frustration or a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace. Depending on

what substance they’re using, they may feel blissfully oblivious, wonderfully happy, or

energized and confident. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on

children, sometimes even causing depression, so when teens are given a chance to take

something to make them feel better, many can’t resist.

Boredom- Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied,

or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance abuse. Not only do alcohol and

marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they

feel. Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to

instantly bond with a group of kids.

Rebellion- Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their

personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to

behave aggressively. Methamphetamine, or meth, also encourage aggressive, violent

behaviour, and can be far more dangerous and potent than alcohol. Marijuana, on the other

hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. LSD and

hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and

may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. Smoking cigarettes can be a form of

rebellion to flaunt their independence and make their parents angry. The reasons for teenage

drug-use are as complex as teenagers themselves.

Instant Gratification- Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good.

Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.

6

Lack of Confidence- Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things

under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the

appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens; you have the courage to

dance if you’re a bad dancer, or sing at the top of your lungs even if you have a terrible voice,

or kiss the girl you’re attracted to. And alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your

inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with

the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything

stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.

Misinformation- Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance abuse is inaccurate

information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be

experts on various recreational substances, and they’re happy to assure her that the risks are

minimal. Educate your teenager about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of

drug use.

HOW TO KNOW IF SOMEONE IS DRUG ADDICTED

It is not so hard to know about someone who is drug addicted. We can find out such person

by his behaviour that how he is behave or react in a situation. There are so many signs by

which we can recognise such person some of them are-

Hanging out mostly with people who use a lot of alcohol or other drugs

Personality changes: becoming more aggressive and hostile, or becoming more

withdrawn, isolated, and depressed

Getting into trouble at home because of substance use

Drinking or using drugs in large quantities

Getting angry and defensive if anyone questions the drug use; denying it’s a problem

Using regularly at certain times (like every evening, or every morning before school)

Continuing to use (say, at a party) even after everyone else has stopped

Having blackouts - forgetting events that occurred during substance use

Being high at school or work

Cutting school or class to get high

Losing interest in other activities, such as sports or schoolwork

Slipping grades

Getting into trouble at school because of substance use

7

Breaking the law while drunk or on drugs

Driving a car while under the influence.

Getting into auto accidents related to substance use

PREVENTION OF DRUG ADDICTION

As a young person we are faced with many problem and challenges in our life. Using of

alcohol and drugs affects our daily life as well as our health, grades, relationships, job or

career, may be even our freedom. So escape from being drug addicted we can follow some

tips and these are-

Don’t Be Afraid to Say No:  Sometimes, our fear of negative reaction from our friends, or

others we don’t even know, keeps us from doing what we know is right.  Real simple, it may

seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not.  Don’t let someone else make your

decisions for you.  If someone is pressuring you to do something that's not right for you, you

have the right to say no, the right not to give a reason why, and the right to just walk away.

Connect with Your Friends and Avoid Negative Peer Pressure:  Pay attention to who you

are hanging out with.  If you are hanging out with a group in which the majority of kids are

drinking alcohol or using drugs to get high, you may want to think about making some new

friends.  You may be headed toward an alcohol and drug problem if you continue to hang

around others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs or use

illegal drugs.  You don't have to go along to get along.

Make Connections with Your Parents or Other Adults: As you grow up, having people

you can rely on, people you can talk to about life, life’s challenges and your decisions about

alcohol and drugs is very important.  The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life

experiences can help put things in perspective and can be invaluable.

Enjoy Life and Do What You Love: Don’t Add Alcohol and Drugs:  Learn how to enjoy

life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs.  Alcohol and drugs can

change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life.  Too often, “I’m bored” is

just an excuse.  Get out and get active in school and community activities such as music,

8

sports, arts or a part-time job.  Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective

on life.

Follow the Family Rules about Alcohol and Drugs:  As you grow up and want to assume

more control over your life, having the trust and respect of your parents is very important. 

Don’t let alcohol and drugs come between you and your parents.  Talking with mom and dad

about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful.

Get Educated about Alcohol and Drugs:  You cannot rely on the myths and

misconceptions that are out there among your friends and on the internet.  Your ability to

make the right decisions includes getting educated.  Visit Learn About Alcohol and Learn

About Drugs.  And, as you learn, share what you are learning with your friends and your

family.

Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example:  Don’t forget, what you do is more important

than what you say!  You are setting the foundation and direction for your life; where are you

headed?

Plan Ahead:  As you make plans for the party or going out with friends you need to plan

ahead.  You need to protect yourself and be smart.  Don’t become a victim of someone else’s

alcohol or drug use.  Make sure that there is someone you can call, day or night, no matter

what, if you need them.  And, do the same for your friends.

Speak Out/Speak Up/Take Control:  Take responsibility for your life, your health and your

safety.  Speak up about what alcohol and drugs are doing to your friends, your community

and encourage others to do the same.

Get help:  If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol or drugs, get help. Don’t

wait. You don't have to be alone.

CONCLUSION

Drug addiction is one of the major problems that are faced by all the age groups of the

society. Drug addiction is a common form of addiction, and it is an alarming need to stop the

dependency of the young generation on drugs. Drugs addiction leads to change in person’s

behaviour and attitude. It reduces mental strength and gradually leads to dependency on drugs

9

for doing normal courses of life also. Getting addicted to drugs is easy, but getting rid of this

invited problem is far more difficult. The addiction causes endless craving for drugs, body

itself demands the dosage of drug from time to time. If the need is not fulfilled, it may lead to

many other consequences. Quitting drugs is not easy; even if a person wants he cannot unless

he is helped by someone. Drug addiction spoils relations as well as is a negative intact for the

society and the further generations.

Drug addiction should be stopped at an immediate effect to avoid further loss of the present

generation and to reduce the negative impact on the upcoming generation. This addiction can

be treated in many forms. Medications, mediations, healthy advices form elders, avoiding

negative environment and bad peer group, reformation cells, staying drug free, etc. will help

any person to recover from drug addiction. Recovery from everything is possible, Addiction

is a treatable disease. Research in the science of addiction and the treatment of substance use

disorders has led to the development of evidence-based interventions that help people stop

abusing drugs and resume productive lives. Different types of medications may be useful at

different stages of treatment to help a patient stop abusing drugs, stay in treatment, and avoid

relapse. Addiction can affect so many aspects of a person’s life; treatment must address the

needs of the whole person to be successful.

10

BIBLIOGRAPHY

What are drugs?, drug info @ your library (last updated Mar. 5, 2016), available at

http://www.druginfo.sl.nsw.gov.au/drugs/aboutdrugs.html

Drug Addiction in India, alcoholrehab.com (last updated Mar. 6, 2016), available

athttp://alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-in-india/

The difference between drug addiction and drug abuse , Genpsych (last updated

Mar. 6, 2016) available at http://genpsych.com/2014/01/28/the-difference-

between-drug-addiction-and-drug-abuse/

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction , NIDA (last updated Mar.

6, 2016), available at https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-

science-addiction/drugs-brain

Drug Use Changes the Brain Over Time, Learn.Genetics (last updated Mar. 6, 2016),

available at http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/brainchange/

Top 8 Reasons why Teens Try Alcohol and Drugs, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids (last

updated Mar. 6, 2016), available at http://www.drugfree.org/resources/top-8-reasons-why-

teens-try-alcohol-and-drugs/

Types of Drugs, Castle Craig Hospital (last updated Mar. 6, 2016) available at

http://www.castlecraig.co.uk/resources/drugs/types-drugs

The Science of Addiction, Thirteen (last updated Mar. 6, 2016) available at

http://www.thirteen.org/closetohome/pdf/CTHactivitycards.pdf

TEN TIPS FOR PREVENTION FOR YOUTH, NCADD (last updated Mar. 6, 2016),

available at https://ncadd.org/about-addiction/underage-issues/ten-tips-for-prevention-for-

youth

11