2 weekend deaths put scanner on drug abuse among youth

SHIMLAShimlaSanjauli Although there are no latest statistics on the rising drug menace among the youth here, a study conducted by youth organization, YES, in association with Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) some years back had revealed an alarming rate of abuse -- 54%. The sample survey was conducted on 2,000 students in Shimla. It was found that 25% of girls were also involved in drug abuse while 45% boys admitted to taking drugs in one form or another.According to YES founding president Akarshan Chauhan, the study was conducted around three or four years ago and the situation has only got more worse. There is lack of rehabilitation, counseling centres and helplines, where the young can turn to for help, he said. His organization has been conducting awareness drives amongst the younth in association with parents and police.Concerned over the incidents, the Shimla unit of ABVP submitted a memorandum to the SP on Tuesday. "Even though Shimla is declared a smoke free city and sale of tobacco products is banned, substance abuse is becoming rampant amongst youngsters here and the administrations has failed to control it," said ABVP joint secretary Atul Sharma. The police, though, claim they are very much on the job. "We are making efforts to curb the menace by laying siege on drug suppliers and those consuming the substances. However, the trend being followed by consumers is of taking tablets and medicines which are easily available over the counter at medicine shops without prescriptions. We are conducting awareness workshops and counselling those involved in consumption, but general awareness and help from all quarters of society is required for our efforts to success," said SP Shimla, Abhishek Dular. Police are also organizing events like half marathons in association with the district administration during Shimla summer festival to channelize the energy of the youth in positive direction, he added.