Ganja use on the rise among teens as a result of Covid-19
Ganja/Indian Marijuana is a single drug that has been reported to be on the constant rise after Covid-19. The drug that has been held notorious for wreaking a havoc on teenagers’ brains and crippling the lives of their family members and loved ones thereof is easily available at affordable costs. News of teens increasingly falling prey to ganja addiction due to boredom and other factors, especially due to Covid-19 restrictions had been frequently seen hitting the headlines of newspapers in India.
Last week, the news of a 17-year son of a contractual sanitation worker being murdered by her due to the endless harassment he caused for the want of money for his drug use has been the latest unfortunate incident involving drugs and teens. According to Indian Express, increased use of psychoactive substances among the youth had been responsible for increased & scattered incidents of crime and robbery in the country.
Research suggests that addiction generally begins with alcohol in the youth and progresses to Nicotine and Ganja which are considered as gateways to hard drugs such as opioids. According to AIIMS report over half the people with opioid disorders come from Delhi, Maharashtra, UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Some of these addicts are genuinely genetically vulnerable while others are observed to be impulsive by nature who start consuming drugs just to seek a thrill. This is true especially in the case of teenagers abusing ganja to seek adventure and thrill along with their peers. Blame it on an established myth in India that Ganja is holy and doesn’t harm your body.
Effects of ganja on teenagers’ brains
Teenage brain is an immature, developing brain and the neuro-development continues to happen till early or mid-20s. Therefore, Ganja could for teenagers could mean much more long-term effects including interference with the neurotransmitters and formation of abnormal brain shape and structure volume. Studies have shown that the use of Ganja is associated with reduced cognitive function in teens.
Long-term health consequences associated with Ganja use include respiratory issues, increased chance of lung cancer and heart ailments. In girls, problems with child development during and after pregnancy, and the development of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (characterised by cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration that may require emergency medical attention) are a common place. Whereas in boys, over one-third of the chronic exclusive marijuana smokers have been observed to suffer from low sperm count.
Reasons for increase of Ganja demand during Covid Pandemic
The percentage of Ganja users in teens has substantially increased during the Covid period due to both easy availability of Ganja and non-availability of other hard drugs. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown leisure contributed to the raised demand for Marijuana, with a particular rise in India. By virtue of lack of access to street dealers by end-users, [Covid-19] may have led to an increase in easily available Ganja consumption.
Why is increased Ganja use a concern?
While Ganja use is common during early adolescence, the adverse long term health effects associated with it along with serious criminal involvement are a cause of concern. Drug administration in teens shares risk factors between use and crime stating that heavy adolescent marijuana use may lead to drug related crime (both using and selling) and juvenile justice system interactions, and also violent crime in some cases where teens steal or commit murders to procure currency for their drugging habits.
Teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of serious drug use later in life. Ganja dependance also leads to poor judgement, unintended sexual activity, impaired cognitive functions and other mental health disorders as short-term effects. Poor academic performance among users is another major concern that can put their entire future at stake.
How to check the growing Ganja menace in teens?
When it comes to drug addiction, the family and friends with whom the addicts spend a major amount of their time play a vital role in helping eradicate their addiction. Keeping active track of teens’ interactions and expenditure helps identify their drugging habits earlier than not. Every household needs to establish rules and consequences for teens to keep them in healthy boundaries.
If you notice that your teen has started to abuse Ganja, feel free to contact a good rehab for customised medical treatment.
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