A little insight into the truth behind Substance Abuse in India

In this article we will try to discuss a topic that has been under discussion for long now. Substance abuse has different meanings to it. A lot depends on an individual’s interpretation of “abuse”. Most of the writers who have ever written about substance abuse usually end up mixing their own convictions regarding the topic into their article. The result of this is a confusion and misinterpretation in the minds of young people beginning to experiment with alcohol or drugs reject any and all findings that show any of these substances in a negative light.

The substances under question, as of now, are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, steroids, hallucinogens, stimulants, barbiturates, cocaine, and heroine. The use and abuse of these substances has been going on for long; only recently has it drawn concern across the globe. Earlier it was not such a mental health issue as it has become now. Many of these substances usually with liberal amounts of opium were easily obtainable. But due to legal issues central to the idea of maintaining better health standards, the availability of such substances have become very rare.

We will begin by giving a few definitions of a few terms. “Substance use refers to the infrequent and limited intake of alcohol or drugs” (Thomas P. Gullotta, 2000). “Substance Abuse refers to the frequent and excessive use of alcohol or drugs such that there is an impairment in the physical, mental, or social functioning of the individual” (Thomas P. Gullotta, 2000).

According to the survey conducted jointly released in June 2004 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and UNODC. Under this, according to the National Household Survey of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (NHS), alcohol, cannabis and opiates were found to be the three most common drugs of use. In the Drug Abuse Monitoring System (DAMS), it was seen that the four most commonly abused substances were alcohol, cannabis, heroin, and opium. As part of the third component, Rapid Assessment Survey of Drug Abuse (RAS), Opiates (heroin, buprenorphine and propoxyphene) and cannabis were the major drugs abused. Nearly half had injected drugs at some time in their life (43%). Through the fourth component of this study, Focused Thematic Studies, it was found that drug abuse does exist among women in India and women also bear significant burden due to drug abuse by their family members.

In this NHS, 51.6% of the subjects came from a rural background and the remaining 48.4% were from urban India. Drug use, once initiated, appears to continue in a majority of cases. Overall, about 5% of total treatment seekers in various states were below 20 years of age. Out of these youngsters who reported for treatment were often users of propoxyphene, heroin and cannabis. Based on the findings from this survey, most commonly given justifications for drug use were curiosity, experimentation, being in the company of other drug users and to experience the effects they got. So, it can be said that irrespective of which substance was abused by these individuals, the reasons given were most often similar. Out of the total users of drugs using it currently, only a few said they would think over getting treatment. Most often it is believed by these who are willing to seek treatment that they will not approach for treatment because of lack of infrastructure, lack of facilities and indifferent attitude of staff and cost of treatment.

 The data reveals information that significant numbers of current users could use help in order to prevent them from progressing towards regular or dependent use. In India, at the time of this study there are around 20% of current users who need treatment to address their issue urgently.

India is a signatory to all three UN drug control conventions, namely, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (as amended by the 1972 Protocol), the Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971 and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988. Thus, we see the country taking steps towards a better condition. But we must not forget that there is long way to go before the goal is achieved.

                                                                                                                                -Stuti Gupta & Aaditri Jha

References:

(n.d.). Retrieved December 3, 2013, from http://www.unodc.org/pdf/india/publications/south_Asia_Regional_Profile_Sept_2005/10_india.pdf

Thomas P. Gullotta, G. R. (2000). The Adolescent Experience (4th Edition ed.). San Diego: Academic Press.

Best Ten Movies on Substance Abuse

10

Altered States

Ken Russell, 1980

Edward Jessup (William Hurt in his film debut) is a university professor who, while studying schizophrenia begins to think that “our other states of consciousness are as real as our waking states.” Jessup begins experimenting with sensory-depravation using a flotation tank. The professor then enhances the effects of his experiments by injecting a “mushroom cocktail” he brought back from Mexico. In the flotation tank he undergoes a series of increasingly drastic psychological and physical transformations. The 1980 film is an adaption of a novel by the same name by playwright and screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky. It was the only novel that Chayefsky ever wrote, as well as his final film. Both the novel and the film are based on John C. Lilly’s sensory depravation research conducted in isolation tanks under the influence of psychoactives like ketamine and LSD. This is a favorite movie of mine because of it’s artsy, wildly hallucinogenic drug scenes.

9

Reefer Madness

Louis J. Gasnier, 1936

Also titled Tell Your Children, this 1936 cult classic was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of cannabis use. However, soon after the film was shot, it was purchased by producer Dwain Esper, who re-cut the film for distribution on the exploitation film circuit. In 1971, Reefer Madness was discovered in the Library of Congress archives by National Organization for Marijuana Reform Laws founder Keith Stroup, who bought a print for $297, and made it the darling of pot smokers and college campuses. For this modern audience, the poor production values and overacting create an uproarious comedy. Stroup is also responsible for the notion that the film was originally created as a propaganda piece. Distributing Reefer Madness to college campuses of the 1970s helped bankroll the burgeoning film company New Line Cinema.

8

The Boost

Harold Becker, 1988

This is an often overlooked but powerful portrait of how a recreational drug user (James Woods) got hooked on coke and ruined his entire life. He got his wife hooked, lost a high powered job, his home, friends and even his unborn child. It was a tragic yet realistic story that was brought to life by the fantastic acting of Woods. It also featured a scene with actress Agnes Moorehead free basing. It was the first time I ever saw crack smoking on screen.

7

Trainspotting

Danny Boyle, 1996

A group of disaffected Scottish youths turn to heroin to escape the banalities of modern-day existence. Then, they begin to suffer the consequences and discover that there are no easy solutions to the inherent loneliness and pain of life. Its release sparked some controversy in some countries, including the UK, Australia and the United States, as to whether it promoted drug use or not. U.S. Senator Bob Dole accused it of moral depravity and glorifying drug use during the 1996 US Presidential Campaign, although he later admitted that he had not actually seen the film. The Academy Award nominated script featured a classic scene in which one of the addicts in the midst of a heroin induced high is searching for the “perfect toilet” in which to take a crap. It is descriptive, highly visual and ultimately one of the most disgusting scenes captured on film.

6

The Man with the Golden Arm

Otto Preminger, 1955

Card shark, musician and ex-con Frankie (Frank Sinatra) battles to curb his heroin addiction while dealing with the needs of his wheelchair bound wife and his true love, Molly (Kim Novak). The film was controversial for its time; the Motion Picture Association of America refused to certify the film because it showed drug addiction. The film was released without the MPAA’s seal of approval. This sparked a change in production codes, allowing movies more freedom to more deeply explore taboo subjects such drug abuse, kidnapping, abortion and prostitution.

Frank Sinatra , who jumped at a chance to star in the film before reading the entire script – spent time at drug rehabilitation clinics observing addicts going cold turkey. The script was given to Marlon Brando around the same time as Sinatra, who still harbored some anger at Brando since he had beaten out Sinatra for the lead role in On The Waterfront. Directed by Otto Preminger, it was nominated for three Academy Awards including Sinatra for Best Actor.

5

Gridlock’d

Vondie Curtis-Hall, 1997

Set in Detroit, 2 heroin addicts (Tupac Shakur and Tim Roth) decide to kick their habit after their best friend and band mate, Cookie, overdoses on her first hit. Throughout a disastrous day, the two addicts dodge police and local criminals while struggling with an apathetic government bureaucracy that bars their entrance into a rehabilitation clinic. Gridlock’d marked the directorial debut of actor Vondie Curtis-Hall. He wrote the screenplay in 1993 and based it on actual life experience as a junkie during the 1970′s. Much like the characters in the film, Hall and a friend sought treatment for their addiction only to be told that it would take weeks to get admitted into rehab.. The film paid tribute to star Tupac Shakur who had been murdered several months before the film’s release.

4

Drugstore Cowboy

Gus Van Sant, 1989

The story follows Bob Hughes (Matt Dillon) and his “family” of drug addicts as they travel across the US Pacific Northwest in the early 1970′s, supporting their habit by robbing pharmacies and hospitals. A highlight of the film is an appearance by recovering addict William Burroughs as Tom, a defrocked priest who lectures Bob on the dangers of temptation. After a tragedy strikes the “family” , Bob decides to try to go straight but finds that there is more to extricating himself from the drug user’s lifestyle than just giving up drugs. It was a breakout performance by Matt Dillion that helped solidify his career and the success of the movie.

3

Leaving Las Vegas

Mike Figgis, 1995

Because his wife left him and took his son with her, screenwriter Ben Anderson (Nicolas Cage) has started drinking….a lot. When he gets fired, he decides to leave everything behind and move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death. In Las Vegas he meets Sera, (Elisabeth Shue)a prostitute with some problems as well who he moves in with. Mike Figgis masterminded the film, not only directing but writing the script and composing the score. In April 1994, shortly before preproduction of the film began, John O’Brien, author of the semi-autobiographical novel this film is based on, committed suicide. As a result, the production was stopped temporarily. Throughout production, Figgis had problems because permits were not issued for some street scenes. This caused him to film some scenes in one shot to avoid any police contact.

Cage researched his character by binge drinking in Dublin for two weeks and had a friend to videotape him under the influence so he could study his speech patterns. He later admitted that “it was one of the most enjoyable pieces of research I’ve ever had to do for a part.” Nicolas Cage received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his work in this film. Elisabeth Shue was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress and the film also received nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Director.

2

Days of Wine and Roses

Blake Edwards, 1962

This classic film depicts the subtle, insidious nature of alcohol addiction. It follows the downward spiral of two average Americans who succumb to alcoholism and attempt to deal with their problem. Joe is a former social drinker who turns alcoholic due to pressures at work. He meets his future wife Kirsten at a party, and they both slowly become full-blown alcoholics and lose everything. Joe’s crazy and frenzied smash up of the contents of his in-laws greenhouse while looking for a bottle of booze he had hidden there highlights the characters descent into madness.

Director Blake Edwards became a non-drinker a year after completing the film and went into substance recovery. He said that he and Jack Lemmon were heavy drinkers while making the film. Both Lemmon and actress Lee Remick sought help from Alcoholics Anonymous long after they had completed the film. The film had a lasting effect in helping alcoholics deal with their problem. Today Days of Wine and Roses is required viewing in many alcoholic and drug rehabilitation clinics across America.

1

Requiem for a Dream

Darren Aronofsky, 2000

This is probably the grittiest, dirtiest, saddest yet most realistic portrayal of drug users ever put on film. This movie exposes four paralleled individuals and their menacing addiction to heroin, cocaine, and diet pills (speed). Taking place in Brooklyn amidst the decaying Coney Island, the drugs are very easily obtained and keep each main character in its cycle of dependence. Watching the addicts spiral out of control, we bear witness to the ugliest portions of the underworld addicts reside in. Ellen Burstyn was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Sara Goldfarb, the mother of one of the addicts.

Best Ten Songs about Substance Abuse

"Not an Addict" by K's Choice

This is my pick for best addiction song. It accurately describes the denial many addicts are in and how they feel when they do their drug of choice. The lyrics such as," It's not a habit, it's cool, I feel alive. If you don't have it you're on the other side. I'm not an addict (maybe that's a lie)" makes this a powerful song about substance abuse.

"Under The Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers

"Under the bridge downtown, is where I drew some blood, under the bridge, I could not get enough" says the song. The lead singer was a heroin addict and he wrote this song about the city and the particular spot he use to go to shoot heroin.

"Mr. Self Destruct" by Nine Inch Nails

Many rockers have fallen victim to heroin addiction and other forms of substance abuse. In this NIN song they sing, "I am the needle in your vein and I control you. I am the high you can't sustain and I control you." This song was featured in the movie The Fight Club.

"Just Like a Pill" by Pink

This song was a hit for Pink in her early music career. The talented singer never hid that she had dealt with drug use and that this song was partly inspired by that fact.

She sings, "I haven't moved from the spot where you left me, this must be a bad trip. All of the other pills, they were different. Maybe I should get some help."

"Black Balloon" by Goo Goo Dolls

"Baby's black balloon makes her fly" is how the song starts out. Black tar heroin is often packaged in balloons so that the drug user or seller can swallow it if caught by police. As a former officer I had this happen while on duty. The addict that swallowed it was lucky I saw what he did. His stomach was pumped, which may have saved his life.

"Save Me" by Shinedown

This song by rock group Shinedown is about heroin and pill addiction and the singer cries out for someone to save him. It's a powerful song about an addict reaching out for help for his substance abuse.

"Coma White" by Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson has said that the color of white is how he describes feeling numb. His numbness at the time was often brought on by drug use. Is the shock rocker sober yet? Hopefully he is.

"Animal I Have Become" by Three Days Grace

"Help me believe it's not the real me. Somebody help me tame this animal! This animal I have become" sings Three Days Grace. This addiction song is about a man asking for help and asking someone to convince him that he is not the person (addict) he has become. It is one of the most popular songs by this group and was played repeatedly on the radio when it came out in 2006.

"Rehab" by Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse has battled her drug and alcohol addiction, even entering rehab a number of times, despite this songs title. Amy's substance of choice was/is primarily heroin. She is an incredibly talented singer, but her drug abuse has stalled her career and threatened to take her life.

"Angel" by Sarah McLachlan

Though "Angel" is now being used in a touching SPCA ad about abused animals, it is actually about drug abuse. "I need some distraction, oh beautiful release. Memory seeps from my veins" is a song McLachlan wrote about other musicians who have abused heroin as a means of escaping their problems. It's a beautiful song that can still be heard on radio stations today.

 Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/substance-abuse-songs-10-songs-7521474.html

I still am

I still am…

I don’t even remember when I smoked my first cigarette. What I remember of it is that it was some time in ninth grade.  At that point I had no idea that what I was getting into has the potential to make me reach the point where I stand today. I have never been completely honest with people when it considered them questioning how or why I started smoking. Or, for those matters I don’t even have an honest answer for the question when am I going to quit. But today, for once I am not going to try and convince myself into believing that it is okay to lead a life like mine. Even though I hate admitting this fact but I know somewhere deep inside that I am harming myself the most in the process. It isn’t only myself I have hurt in the process. Looking back, I can count the number of things I have lost and the number of people I have lost. All this because I got selfish.

Before I list down all my losses, I want to speak a little about how it all started.  It was a senior at school who offered a bunch of other guys and me a smoke. It was the considered the bravest thing to do then, it also meant earning a few brownie points from seniors. This stuff meant a great deal to every boy growing up in my school. There was a different kind of a rush we got getting that kind of importance and everyone wanting to be associated with us at parties because we were “cool” to hang out with. The high we got from this was similar to the beer buzz one experiences after consuming their first few pints. You are in connection with reality but you still have that swirl in the head. This was just the start. At that point I didn’t even realize what I was getting into. The journey was such that I am still trying to find the correct path trying the hardest to figure myself out.

All this reminds me Tania, her words come flashing right back to me. I loved her so much, I still do. And I am sure she loved me too. It’s just that I loved my cigarettes and Js a little more. I could by no means get rid of those. She tried hard. Pushing herself beyond a breaking point to get me out. She called it an addiction. I hated her at that moment. But now when I reflect upon all that I have lost I know she was right. The very fact that I have been living in denial proves my dependence on them. Even at this point, where I am writing about all this, a huge part of me is getting wounded inside. I lost Tania not because I loved her less, but because I love my smokes and Js more. She wanted a family. I couldn’t think of having one. But the truth today is that I actually fear whether I can or not father a healthy child. I know it’s the reality but I have no solution out of this problem. My heart breaks every time I see Manoj, a dear friend of mine. He used to be like me at one point of time. But today, he is a father of a beautiful little girl. More importantly he is content with his life. He was able to win over his desire to smoke and other addictions. I couldn't. It kills me inside just admitting this fact. I have lost all that I had close to me, Tania, my job, my calm, everything. I am irritable if I smoke two cigarettes or a joint lesser. I feel disoriented without. I need to keep function. Every night before sleeping I think to myself that I need to quit it. But what remains of this the next morning is nothing but an empty plan. I am never able to implement my plan because I know I am not strong enough to do so. Plus I don’t have a strategy to get myself out of this. These things have become such an integral part of me; it’s almost like brushing my teeth or eating.

Now I want to change. I need to do this for myself, for Tania. This will be the best way to silently appreciate all that she ever did for me, even though I have lost all privileges for any of that. I am not too sure of how I am going to get to my goal. But what I am sure of this time, is myself. I have faith in me to make a change. Concluding this with something Tania always said, “The very fact that someone realizes their mistake is equivalent to become deserving of forgiveness”. And I am hopeful to work in life. 

Stuti Gupta & Aaditri Jha