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Substance Abuse on a Rise
Substance Abuse on a Rise

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of illegal substances or abuse of legal substances by consuming over the advised amount this may include alcohol and illicit drugs.

The repeated use of these substances often results in addiction. The user often loses control as the strong desire leads to the abusive use of legal substances. Substance abuse not only results in dependency but also impose a negative impact on the health and families of the abuser.

Substances Frequently Abused by Adolescents: Alcohol, Marijuana, Tobacco, Prescription drugs, Hallucinogens, Anabolic steroids, Inhalants, Methamphetamine, Cannabis (Bhang and Ganja/Charas), Opioids (Opium, Heroin and Pharmaceutical Opioids), Cocaine, Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), Sedatives

Some Statistics:
- Alcohol and Drug use disorders are more common among males.
- As per WHO report of 2002, there are 2 billion alcohol users, 1.3 billion smokers and 185 million drug users globally.
- Globally, almost 13 million people inject drugs, of which 1.7 million are living with HIV.
- 67% of the people who inject drugs contract hepatitis C.
- In India, opioids, including heroin, dextropropoxyphene, buprenorphine, and pentazocine, are most commonly abused.

As per a report “Magnitude of Substance use in India” submitted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, about 16 crore people in India are alcohol users which is 14.6% of the population. The same report estimates about 8.5 Lakh People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Opioid group of drugs is predominantly injected by PWID. Buprenorphine is commonly used by injectors in Punjab & Haryana.

What causes Substance Abuse?

There could be multiple factors influencing substance abuse. These may include genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems.

Treatment

A variety of treatment programs are available based on the type of substance abused, the extent of dependence, symptoms, overall health and medical history of the individual indulging in such activities.

Medical detoxification is generally the first phase of treatment. Long-term follow-up is required as cravings continue even after they stop the substance use. Such management programs include group meetings and continued medical supervision.

The recovery phase of the treatment often requires a rehabilitation program and depends upon the abuser and the substance abused.

1. Motivational enhancement therapy: This therapy enhances the inner motivation for behavioural change through client-centered therapy.

2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Its very effective in increasing abstinence in tobacco and cannabis users.

3. Family-based treatments and multisystemic therapy: Studies show that these treatments have a significant effect on illicit substance use in adolescents.

4. Therapeutic communities: These provide a supportive environment, in which adolescents cease substance use and recover.

5. Pharmacotherapy for substance dependence: Pharmacotherapies are available for alcohol dependence in adults. These include naltrexone and acamprosate and are found to be very effective in preventing relapse to heavy drinking.

Preventing Substance Abuse & Govt. Initiatives
In view of the emerging threat of substance abuse, various initiatives have been taken by the government:

– National Centre for Substance Abuse prevention (NC-DAP): This unit helps the govt. on technical grounds, such as making policies related to the substance abuse prevention, improved coverage of services for substance demand reduction, formulating effective intervention modules and programs, providing research and documentation activities to develop a deeper insight into the problem.

– Twelve NGOs have been set up as Regional Resource and Training Centres (RRTCs) which impart training to the service providers of Treatment and Counselling Centres for enhancing their capacity, at the regional levels.

– Charitar Nirman Sewadar Trust, an NGO engaged in the de-addiction and social reformation of the prisoners in Tihar.

– CHETNA, an NGO runs recreation center for children inside the Nizamuddin Police Station.

Under the Scheme for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse, implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Ministry bears 90% of the financial responsibility.

We @DattMediproducts understand the ill impacts of Substance Use & Abuse in youths and adults and we strongly believe that preventive programs could be of great help. School administration may organize such programs to impart drug and alcohol education to the students along with various other behavioral & interpersonal skills.  

National Toll-Free Drug de-addiction helpline Number 1800-11-0031 can be used in case of emergencies.

Be Aware: Say No to Substance Abuse!

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Allergies are a common health issue that affect a significant portion of the population worldwide. Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, which is known as an allergen. The allergen can be any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the body, such as pollen, dust, food, or animal dander.

Allergies are caused due to the abnormal response of the immune system, which mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful invader and initiates a defence mechanism, called antibodies, to protect the body from it. This results in various allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

There are various reasons behind the occurrence of allergies. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s likelihood of developing allergies. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also trigger allergies.

There are several different types of allergies, each with their unique symptoms and triggers.

Some of the most common types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies:

These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.

2. Food allergies:

These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild itching, tingling in the mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat to more severe life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin allergies:

These allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain fabrics, metals, or cosmetics. The symptoms of skin allergies include rashes, itching, and swelling.

4. Insect allergies:

These allergies occur when an individual is bitten or stung by an insect, such as bees or mosquitoes. The symptoms of insect allergies can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

5. Medicine allergies:

Medicine allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain medications. They can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is important to communicate medicine allergies to healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Precautionary methods can be taken to manage allergies. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. This can be done through various tests such as skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is identified, it is essential to avoid exposure to it. For example, individuals with food allergies must avoid eating the allergen-containing food.

Similarly, those with respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. If a person has a known severe allergy then they can also wear a medical alert bracelet, which lets others know that you have a serious allergy incase they are unable to communicate it.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be used to manage allergy symptoms. In severe cases, epinephrine injections may be required to manage anaphylaxis.

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can also help manage allergies. One of the most important being to try to reduce stress levels. While stress can’t trigger an allergic reaction it can make it worse if you are having one. When in stress your body releases hormones including histamine, which is a powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms thus making the reaction worse.

Allergies can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them. However, with proper management, it is possible to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. If you suspect that you have an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis.

We advice to follow precautionary methods and working with a healthcare professional, that can help you manage allergies and improve your quality of life. Follow us for more such information.