What is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse means using drugs or alcohol to excess.

Types of Drugs:

1. Cannabinoids: Marijuana and Hashish (Known as dope, blunt, weed, hash, hemp, boom).
2. Hallucinogens: LSD and Magic Mushrooms (Known as acid, candy, shrooms).
3. Inhalants: Petrol, Paint Thinners, Glue, Freon (Known as poppers, snappers, bagging).
4. Opioids: Heroin and opium (Known as smack, brown sugar, junk).
5. Stimulants: Cocaine, Methamphetamine, MDMA (Known as coke, blow, nose candy, tik, meth, ice, ecstasy, E, XTC).

Tips to Stay Clean:

1. Tell your friends you won’t be using drugs. True friends will respect that.
2. If you are going through a tough time and are tempted to use again, tell someone. Don’t try to handle it alone.
3. Know what to do if you are surrounded by drugs or alcohol. Avoid places where there will be temptation, at least for a while.

Why Do Teens Take Drugs?

Teens encounter alcohol and drugs at parties, in their communities, and through media. Common reasons include:

1. Peer Pressure: To fit in, be popular, and impress friends.
2. Stress Management: Drugs provide temporary relief from stress.
3. Boredom: Drugs fill the void of feeling lonely or bored.
4. Low Self-Esteem: Drugs give an illusion of confidence.
5. Curiosity and Experimentation: A natural but risky behavior.
6. Availability: Drugs are easily accessible in schools, colleges, and society.
7. Addiction: To avoid withdrawal symptoms once dependent.

Why Are Drugs Bad for You?

Drugs and alcohol abuse can lead to:

1. Hair loss, bad skin, wrinkles.
2. Bad breath, stained teeth.
3. Heart and liver disease, cancer.
4. Lack of coordination, slurred speech.
5. Learning and memory problems.
6. Mental illness, heart attacks, and brain damage.

Effects of Substance Abuse:

Substance abuse causes emotional stress for family and friends. Users may become aggressive, withdraw, or even steal to sustain their addiction. They risk losing jobs, education, and relationships, often resorting to crime to fund their habits.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse:

1. Slurred speech.
2. Smell of alcohol.
3. Drowsiness and confusion.
4. Poor coordination.
5. Aggression and reckless behavior.
6. Frequent car accidents.

Signs of Drug Abuse:

1. Drowsiness and red eyes.
2. Needle marks and stained teeth.
3. Constant smell of stale smoke or dagga.
4. Sudden mood swings and appetite changes.

About the Project Area:

Telangana, India’s 29th state, was formed on June 2, 2014. Spanning 1,12,077 sq. km., it has a population of 3,50,03,674 (2011 Census). Major cities include Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar. Telangana comprises 33 districts, with Bhadradri Kothagudem being the largest and Hyderabad the smallest.

Project Summary and Problem Statement:

The abuse of alcohol and drugs among Telangana’s youth is rising, according to the 2022 Drug Enforcement report. Causes include unemployment, broken families, lack of education, easy access, and inadequate regulation.

This project proposes comprehensive anti-drug awareness and rehabilitation programs targeting school children, youth, and marginalized communities in Telangana.

Project Objectives:

1. Raise awareness among school and college students about drug dangers.
2. Identify and empower anti-drug ambassadors.
3. Provide counseling and sensitization to communities.
4. Promote anti-tobacco policies and programs in schools.
5. Emphasize personal responsibility in drug-related decisions.
6. Encourage prevention of drug-related incidents in schools.

Project Activities:

1. Mobilizing and enrolling youths for counseling and rehabilitation.
2. Establishing counseling and rehabilitation centers.
3. Raising awareness through anti-drug campaigns in schools and communities.

Target Groups:

1. School and college children.
2. Youth.
3. Parents.
4. Volunteers.
5. Intellectuals.

Anti-Drug Awareness Campaigns:

Telangana’s 33 districts and 594 Mandals will host awareness campaigns focusing on the dangers of substance abuse. Activities include distributing printed IEC materials, conducting role-plays, and community education.

Conclusion:

This integrated development program spans 607 Mandals in Telangana, focusing on transforming lives through anti-drug campaigns, counseling, and rehabilitation, ensuring a better future for youth.