SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2024
Dolcy D’Cruz
The battle against drugs in the state has been fought for a long time. Drugs have the ability to get a person addicted and to numb the senses. Despite knowing the vicious grip of these additive substances, many youngsters still tread the deadly path forced into it either by peer pressure or depression or just the desire to rebel. Goa has over the years acquired a label by outsiders as a hub for drugs and booze. To change this scenario and to create awareness about the use of drugs and the necessity of the will power to say no, has to be encouraged. However, a new threat for the society is the soaring popularity of e-cigarettes among teens.
June 26 is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The 2024 theme chosen by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is ‘The evidence is clear: Invest in prevention’. The sad reality is that there is a lot of evidence in the way tobacco products are subtly allowed to be advertised. With the most impressionable minds, right from middle school, the students are learning to abuse drugs. The big question is do you know what your child is carrying to school in disguise as a simple looking USB drive? It might be an e-cigarette that can be easily ordered online.
Dr Kashyap Bandodkar, junior resident, Goa Dental College and Hospital, has been to many schools, higher secondary schools and colleges to create awareness about drug abuse and the long lasting effects on the body. He has been actively working with Peter Borges, ex-chairperson of Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights in constituting anti-drug clubs, known as Prahari Clubs, in all educational institutions, high schools, and higher secondary schools across Goa. “We have been creating awareness on the abuse of tobacco, vaping and drugs. We have also conducted training sessions for students, teachers, PTA members and police of all ranks. We also shed light on the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA) and the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, (PECA),” says Dr Kashyap.
He further informs, “There is an uptake in vaping which is far worse than smoking. Students across government and private schools have been actively carrying these e-cigarettes to schools as they look like USB drives. The detection of these vapes become difficult for law enforcement and teachers as they emit very less smoke. There are also over 3000 flavours in vapes which makes it very appealing for the young students. Though the sale of vapes is prohibited, they can be easily ordered online and delivered to the door steps. Vaping is a rising fad in the UK and many Goans are travelling back to Goa with it. I can confidently say that students, both girls and boys, as young as class 6 students are now smoking or vaping. Vaping is the gateway to drugs.”
Peter Borges, ex-chairperson of GSCPCR, says, “Empowering youth is also critical. Providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become agents of change in their communities will amplify their voices in the conversation on drug prevention. Youth-led initiatives, such as the Prahari Clubs, demonstrate the potential of student-led movements in creating a significant impact on drug demand reduction. When young people are actively involved in prevention efforts, they can influence their peers and foster a culture of healthy living that can last for generations. Investing in the leadership capabilities of young people not only addresses the current challenges of drug abuse but also builds a resilient and proactive community for the future.”
He further adds, “Moreover, sustained public awareness campaigns are needed to keep the conversation about drug prevention alive. These campaigns should use various media platforms to reach a broad audience, emphasizing the importance of prevention and the tangible benefits it brings. Real-life stories of recovery and the positive impacts of prevention programs can inspire others to join the cause and support these efforts.”
Dr Rajesh Dhume from Addiction Treatment Facility, North Goa District Hospital emphasizes that youngsters should not be shamed but treated for substance abuse which is a mental health issue. “The Addiction Treatment Facility is a free full-fledged addiction facility that has psychiatrists, counsellors and medications to curb cravings for outpatients and inpatients. We have comes across many youngsters in the age group of 16-17 years who are students in Class 11 or 12 and are mainly using marijuana and are usually brought in by their parents. Once they attain adulthood, they get addicted to tobacco and alcohol and are then brought in by their wives or mothers. We should focus on treating them instead of shaming them. Dependency on substance alters the brain and substance use is a mental health issue,” says Dr Rajesh.
Jyoti Kunkolienkar has written over 30 books in different genres in over 32 years. She has won four National and seven State awards for literature, acting and film making and has been actively involved in making 25 documentaries. She recently wrote and produced the short film, ‘Kalki Vatt’ which throws light on the drug menace and how it affects the lives of youngsters in Goa. The film will premiere today, June 26, at Maquinez Palace, Panjim at 4 pm.
“The film is a family drama on how college students from different sections of society are trapped in the drug menace in Goa. The film has senior actors like Raghunath Sancordkar, Dr Rupa Chari, Ajit Kamat and Mohan Chandelkar who are part of this film. Maurya Chari and Megan D’Souza in the lead roles have done a great job. The film has 20 Goan artistes and is supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. I wrote the film based on the news reports that I have come across regarding drug abuse as well as the personal stories about mothers crying about the lives of their young children. This menace is not just restricted to the cities or the tourist centres of Goa but are also creeping into the villages,” says Jyoti.
