Indus Valley Times

By Dr Satyajit Nayak, IPS

Jajpur/Odisha,Aug 31 : Substance abuse is not merely an individual problem; it is a serious social challenge with consequences for public health, family welfare, education, employment and community safety.

Drug and alcohol addiction can damage physical and mental well-being, disrupt families and contribute to wider social problems, including crime and social vulnerability. Recognising the scale of the challenge, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on August 15, 2020, with the objective of creating greater awareness about substance abuse, reducing demand for drugs and strengthening prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

Odisha has carried this national mission forward through the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan, with the larger vision of making the State free from the menace of drugs and substance abuse by 2029. At the heart of this mission is a simple but powerful question: What kind of Odisha do we want to build for the next generation? The answer must be an Odisha where young people are healthy, educated, confident and able to pursue their dreams without the destructive influence of addiction.

Protecting the promise of youth

India has one of the world’s largest young populations, making its youth a critical force in shaping the country’s future. Yet substance abuse can divert young people from education, careers and productive lives. Addiction rarely begins with the intention of destroying a life. It can start with experimentation, curiosity or peer pressure—often accompanied by the belief that “trying it once” will cause no harm. That is why prevention and early awareness are so important. Young people need to understand that refusing drugs is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it takes confidence and courage to say no when faced with peer pressure. A simple “No, thank you. I don’t do drugs” can sometimes protect an individual’s health, aspirations and future.

 The role of friends, parents and teachers

Peer groups have enormous influence during adolescence and young adulthood. Positive friendships can encourage education, sports, creativity and personal growth, while negative peer pressure can push vulnerable young people towards harmful substances.

 A true friend should encourage another young person to study, play, participate in activities and build a meaningful future—not compromise health or dignity. Parents and teachers also have an important role. Warning signs of substance use should not automatically be met with anger, humiliation or social isolation. Young people facing addiction need support, guidance and access to professional assistance. The message must be clear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not shame.

Beyond enforcement

The fight against drugs cannot be won through enforcement alone.

A comprehensive response requires three interconnected approaches: controlling the supply of illicit substances through effective law enforcement; reducing demand through sustained public awareness and prevention; and ensuring treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration for those affected by addiction. Police and other enforcement agencies have an important responsibility to act against drug trafficking and criminal networks.

At the same time, schools, colleges, parents, community organisations, youth clubs and civil society must work together to prevent young people from becoming vulnerable to substance abuse. Sports, yoga, meditation, music, art, reading, volunteering and other constructive activities can provide young people with healthy alternatives that build confidence, discipline and a sense of purpose.