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DRUGS ABUSE

tion arising due to unemployment was one of the main rea- nities, cutting off the supply chain through severe punish-
sons for the youngsters taking to drugs in a big way. ments, and preventive measures. The preventive measures
also included counseling of the drug addict and also making
he study also pointed out that the drug abuse addicts open up in public spaces to raise awareness. A door-
problem was more severe in Punjab, but the to-door awareness campaigns was also necessary to wean
T drug menace was rising in Haryana and oth- people away from drugs.
er states, including Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan Meanwhile Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khat-
and Jammu and Kashmir. The report pointed out that tar has called for a comprehensive joint programme of
the drug users on an average spend around 200 to neighbouring states to tackle the problem of drugs which,
2,000 daily to satiate their quest. The addicts will go to any he described, as a social rather than a political issue. He
extent to collect money for the drugs. has stressed the need to cut off drugs
They may beg, borrow even steal money About 65% of addicts supply to prevent youth from getting
to be able to raise money for their dose. addicted, and also advocated an inter-
Chandigarh has seen a rise in chain living in the affected state cell phone base of live data of ab-
snatchings. According to the police, sconding offenders and to keep track of
most of the snatchings was done by the areas become drug dealers and their associates.
drug addicts to collect money for sub- abusers between the According to Khattar, drugs abuse
stance purchase. is a major issue in north India today
While it is so difficult to make peo- ages of 15-20, which and only a joint effort can curb it. It
ple quit drugs, treatment cost may be in means three out of four is an organized crime The Haryana
the range of a few thousand rupees to government is also planning to bring
a few lakhs and will succeed only if the addicts are hooked to about Haryana Control of Organised
patient was co-operating and was will- drugs before they are Crime Act (HCOCA) on the lines of Ma-
ing to quit the drug himself without any harashtra Control of Organised Crime
external force or pressure. 15 years, according to Act, (MCOCA) to check drug and crime
To be able to check the rampant a latest study on drugs menace.
spread of drugs, the study recommend-
ed improving employment opportu- misuse in Haryana LETTERS@TEHELKA.COM

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