✒️:. Karamat Qayoom
Adolescence is a period of discovery, imagination, and confusion. It is the stage when youngsters leave their childhood behind and begin shaping their identities. However, it is also a time marked by conflicting emotions, peer pressure, and emotional turmoil. Among the most serious challenges faced by today’s youth is substance abuse. This raises the question: why do so many adolescents become addicted to drugs?
1. Peer Pressure and Influence
One of the main causes is the powerful influence of friends. Many teenagers try drugs simply because their social circle encourages them to “try it just once.” Fear of being excluded or ridiculed often compels them to use substances they would otherwise avoid.
2. Curiosity and Experimentation
Teenagers are naturally curious. Many want to explore the “forbidden” to feel mature or rebellious. What may start as an experiment or a “one-time try” can gradually transform into a dangerous addiction.
3. Stress and Emotional Escape
The burden of schoolwork, family conflicts, and low self-esteem are just a few struggles that weigh on adolescents. Many mistakenly believe that drugs provide an escape from their problems, offering temporary relief. However, while the pleasure is short-lived, the damage they inflict on their health and future is long-lasting.
4. Media and Cultural Influence
Movies, music, and social media often glamorize drug use. Celebrities and influencers may portray it as trendy or part of a desirable lifestyle rather than a destructive habit. Young minds, influenced by this exposure, may see drugs as a symbol of modern living, not realizing the harmful consequences.
5. Lack of Awareness and Guidance
In many families and communities, discussions about drugs remain taboo. Without open dialogue, awareness programs, or proper counseling, many teenagers are left confused and uninformed, making them more vulnerable to risky choices.
6. Accessibility of Drugs
Another harsh reality is the easy availability of drugs. Whether through schools, streets, or even online platforms, accessibility increases the likelihood of experimentation and addiction, making prevention even more challenging.
The Way Forward
Protecting youth from drug abuse requires collective effort. Families must foster open communication between parents and children. Schools and institutions should integrate counseling sessions and drug-awareness workshops into their curriculum. Communities need to organize programs that promote healthy lifestyles through sports, arts, and social activities. Most importantly, children should be empowered with the knowledge, confidence, and opportunities to make informed decisions and recognize their self-worth.
Support Independent and Impartial Journalism
Nouk-e-Qalam News is a free and independent journalistic platform. To maintain our ethical standards and avoid obscene advertisements, we have disabled Google Ads. We now rely on your generous financial support to continue our unbiased reporting. Our Writers and readers are kindly urged to contribute—daily, weekly, or monthly. Thank you for standing with truth.
