Assocham says, drug abuse to rise on 31st December

AHMEDABAD: Drug consumption is likely to rise on December 31 in major cities, an ASSOCHAM survey has said, adding that those in the 16 to 30 years age group were particularly vulnerable.

The consumption is likely to be more in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Chandigarh, Ahemdabad and Chennai.

In a survey of more than 3,000 teenagers undertaken by ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation (ASDF), it was found peer pressure led to the drug abuse. Many said, they resorted to drugs to beat stress in day-to-day life.

About 56% of BPOs employees in metropolitan cities consume drugs at least five to six times in a month, the survey said, adding that the drugs come at a price of Rs 200 to 5,000 per pill.

Reasons for rising drug consumption among students and BPO staffers include easy money and availability of drugs, absence of parents, pressure to succeed, disjointed families, desire to be perfect and aping the west.

It was observed that consumption of drug is more in vogue in Goa, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, followed by Bangalore, Pune and Chandigarh. Consumption of these drugs is high in Goa, Mumbai and Delhi-NCR as they are transit points. Children who come from wealthy families are more likely to use drugs.

Majority of the respondent believe that only marijuana and heroin are dangerous, while party drugs just give a high without causing any side effects, a belief which the survey says is wrong.