CHAPTER – 1

INTRODUCTION

Abusing of drugs and Alcoholism has emerged as an international

problem. Trafficking of drug is also the fastest growing business in the world.

The network of this business has reached the streets, so the common man gets

drugs very easily. This trap has spread in every nook and corner of the world.

Drugs have become a part of their lives. These people have become so

accustomed to drugs, that if someone opposes it then they also kill him. It is

difficult to define drug addiction that it is a technical term. In broader terms,

addiction represents a strong craving for a particular substance. Mostly it is

considered by user to repeat the intake of a substance and gradually, which he

uses for a long time. It becomes an addiction.

A few years ago, drug addiction was an incident which was limited to

only Western and more prosperous countries. But now it is spreading rapidly

even in poor and underdeveloped countries. In the developed countries,

where it is used in a normal form, the same is used in the underdeveloped and

poor countries for the sake of happiness. It is astonishing fact that this evil is

spreading like a fire in every country.

1
 In the modern era, the consumption of narcotic substances has been

taken in dangerous proportions and is currently the biggest problem of civil

society. The problem of drug abuse is being done extensively in our country;

many studies have proved that drug abuse is a psychiatric and psychological

social problem.

A HISTORY OF USING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

The use of drugs as the history of mankind is old. Drugs have played a

role in every culture throughout history, whether it is used for medical,

religious or recreational purposes. The history of drugs exposes the history of

humanity and explores the long relationship between mankind and mind-

altering substances. Records of cannabis use date back thousands of years;

hallucinogenic drug use in religious ceremonies shows up worldwide. The use

of opium is for the beginning of civilization and the chewing of coca leaves

by the labourers extends back thousands of years. Almost all the primitive and

modern societies have used some mood-modified drugs and in some cases, it

was alcoholic only.1

During the past 100 years, advances in chemistry and pharmacology

(the science of drugs) have allowed the formation of new drugs from the old

1
Historical setting and classification of drugs, www.drugs, alcohol and India.in

2
sources. Opium was processed and refined in morphine and heroin. Coca

leaves were processed and refined in cocaine and crack. Amphetamines a new

class of stimulants were synthesized in the laboratory, as were new

hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, Ecstasy, and MDA. These new drugs and

refined vintage drugs are more powerful and addictive than any drugs in the

past. While there has been considerable progress in the creation and

utilization of drugs for medical use has increased rapidly.

All types of mood-altering drugs distract the user from reality. As more

and more addicts use them there they come near the more danger. When

people are intoxicated with alcohol, cannabis, or heroin then the ability of

understanding to their becomes weak and they take such risky steps, they are

vulnerable to road accidents, falls and other accidental injuries. Even small

amounts of drugs like tranquillizers or alcohol can affect their ability to drive

or operate machinery.

When all are mixed then all the drugs become more dangerous, adding

a drug on each other increases the probability of more quantity. Either the low

dose of drug is more powerful and before it becomes frightened or fatal

before the expected serious involvement in abuse of many substances is a

widespread phenomenon, which is going to happen in all ages and social

3
groups. Consumption of many substances is included in one person's self-

administered use in two ways or two from medicinal categories, which

deviates from established medical and social norms and which is harmful to a

person or social group. Instead of "drug use" to describe many drug patterns

should the contain term "substance use".

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following objectives of this research are given below:

1. To analyse the present pattern of drug addiction and alcoholism in

India.

2. To ascertain the extent of drug addiction and its harmful impacts.

3. To ascertain the causes of illegal drug trade and narco -terrorism.

4. To bring into light the present drug trafficking trends and patterns in

India.

5. To analyse The vulnerabilities of the laws related to narcotics drugs

and Whether these laws are being implemented properly or not?

Have relevant laws succeeded in dealing with this evil?

4
6. To analyse the global trends in cultivation, production, trafficking and

abuse of narcotic drugs with special reference to Asia, Latin

America and other continents.

7. To make a theoretical enquiry into narcotic related Money

laundering in India.

8. To evaluate the present law –international, regional and Municipal -

and the enforcement system and to ascertain whether the existing law

in India is in tune with the international conventions in this regard.

9. How human rights are violated by the use of drugs and alcohol ?

10. To evolve recommendations: initially to control; and subsequently to

eradicate drug addiction and illegal drug trafficking in India.

11. To analyse loopholes of drug control and regulate related laws.

HYPOTHESIS

1. The emergence of new forms of highly addictive and dangerous drugs

in the Indian market and its abuse has created an explosive situation.

2. Drug addiction and drug dependence, narco-terrorism and related

money laundering have become vicious social evils and political

5
 menace in India and now it has become often difficult to assess and

control; and the local laws as well as international law in this regard

are inadequate.

3. Illegal trafficking of drugs to international markets and the increased

domestic consumption gave India the status of a consuming country

rather than a transit country.

4. The present law as well as the enforcement system is not fully

satisfactory to break the unholy nexus between drug trafficking and

money laundering.

5. The three wings of government-legislature, executive and judiciary-

have failed to curb the menace of drug trafficking and drug abuse.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of the law as a

means to prevent and control to drug abuse, alcoholism and illegal drug

trafficking in India. This research is also an investigation of the extent of legal

control over the production of narcotic and psychoactive substances. In order

to assess the merits and demerits of the existing laws in India, a critical

evaluation of the present laws in other countries becomes indispensable. As a

result the comparative method has been used somewhere in this research. The

6
area of study is a complex and multi-dimensional one which requires a basic

knowledge of different types of drugs and narcotics produced, illegally

trafficked, used and abused in India. For that purpose, doctrinal methods are

used. In addition, historical method has been used for bringing out the history

and development of drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. Drug trafficking

is a clandestine activity. Therefore, it is impossible to assess its magnitude.

However, the quantity of drugs seized by enforcement agencies throw light to

the rate of illegal activities connected with drugs. Hence, statistical method

has also been employed.

SOURCES

To realise the objectives of the study, material has been used from

primary and secondary sources:

(i) Primary Sources : Indian statutes like Opium Act 1888, Drug and

Cosmetic Act, Dangerous Drugs Act 1930, the Narcotic Drugs and

Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic

Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act,1988, Juvenile Justice (Care and

Protection of Children) Act, 2000, Prevention of Money Laundering Act,

Excise Act, various state Acts and Judgments of various courts of India.

7
(ii) The United Nations Conventions against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic

Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the recommendations of the Financial

Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering, which was established at

G-7 Summit held in Paris in 1989 are the primary sources for the study.

(iii) Secondary Sources: Books by reputed authors, answers to Lok Sabha

questions, articles from journals, news paper reports on drug seizure and

addiction, Annual Reports of the Narcotic Control Bureau, Reports of the

Central Bureau of Narcotics, Reports of the Committee of Ministry of Health

and Family Welfare (Government of India), Annual Reports of International

Narcotic Control Bureau, Reports of WHO, ILO and United Nations Office of

Drugs and Crime, National Drug Enforcement Statistics, the Report of the

International Narcotics Control Board 2010, and finally various web sites,

form the secondary sources.

DIFFERENT TERMS RELATING TO ALCOHOLISM AND

DRUG ABUSE

DRUG

The term 'Drug' simply only to a chemical compound which is used for

the treatment of diseases. The word ‘DRUG’ is derived from the French word

8
“DROGUE” which means a dry herb.2

According to Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 drug” includes all

medicines intended for internal or external use for or in the diagnosis,

treatment, mitigation or prevention of3 disease or disorder in human beings or

animals, and manufactured exclusively in accordance with the formulae

described in, the authoritative books of 4(Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Tibb

systems of medicine, specified in the First Schedule).

“Drug” includes—

(i) All medicines for internal or external use of human beings or

animals and all substances intended to be used for or in the diagnosis,

treatment, mitigation or prevention of any disease or disorder in

human beings or animals, including preparations applied on human

body for the purpose of repelling insects like mosquitoes.5

(ii) Such substances (other than food) intended to affect the

2
Sources and nature of drug dosage form (General principal Of Pharmacology) P-4
3
Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).
4
Cl. (a) was relettered as cl. (aa) by Act 13 of 1964 s. 2, (w.e.f. 15-9-1964).
5
Subs. by Act 68 of 1982, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-2-1983).

9
 structure or any function of the human body or intended to be used for

the destruction of (vermin) or insects which cause disease in human

beings or animals, as may be specified from time to time by the

Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette.6

(iii) All substances intended for use as components of a drug including

empty gelatine capsules and

(iv) such devices intended for internal or external use in the diagnosis,

treatment, mitigation or prevention of disease or disorder in human

beings or animals, as may be specified from time to time by the

Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette, after

consultation with the Board.

According to W.H.O. The term Drug is any substance that when taken

into the living organism, may modify one or more of its functions (World

Health Organization). 7

In other Language, Drug means any substance, when taken into living

6
Subs. by Act 13 of 1964, s. 2, for “vermins” (w.e.f. 15-9-1999)
7
World Health Organisation,W.H.O.Expert committee sixteenth report on drug
Dependence, Technical report series 407, Geneva W.H.O.

10
organism, may modify one or more of its functions.8 Drug is a chemical

substance related to specific physical and / or psychological effects. It

changes the general physical processes or functions of a person but this

definition is very broad. In the medical sense, a drug is a substance prescribed

by a physician or is clearly created by the chemical nature of the disease to

prevent disease and the purpose of treatment of living organisms and its effect

on actions. In psychological and social contexts, drug is a term for habit that

directly affects the brain or nervous system. More precisely, it refers to “any

chemical substance which affects bodily function, mood, perception, or

consciousness which has potential for misuse, and which may be harmful to

the individual or the society”. Scientists defined drug as any substance other

than food, which is taken to change the way the body or mind functions

(WHO 1975). Drug abuse thus could be defined as use of any drug that causes

a problem with the physical and mental capabilities normal to human being.9

MEDICINE

The word ‘medicine’ is derived from the Latin word ‘medicina’. It is

expresses a preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease.

8
Geography of Health: A Treatise on Geography of Life and Death in India By R.P.
Mishra (2007)
9
Drug abuse and society, Saroj Prashant,P-3,Ashish publishing house 8/81, Punjabi Bagh,
New Delhi (1993)

11
The term medicine is used when the chemical composition and the quantities

of various chemical components are known. Further, the effects of the

chemical compounds present in a medicine and their side effects have been

properly and extensively studied.

It is seen as a practice quite distinct from surgical methods. Thus ‘a

doctor of medicine’ means a physician who is adept in treating diseases by

administering medicines.10

A drug which is a remedy or prescription presented in a form ready for

internal or external administration of human beings or animals and which is

not included in the edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia for the time being or

any other Pharmacopoeia authorized in this behalf by the Central Government

after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. It is constituted

under section 5.11

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRUG AND MEDICINE

Drug and Medicine are often confused as one and the same thing

though there is the difference between the two. The term drug is a substance,

10
www.difference between.com, drugs and medicines www.nios.ac.in and
www.drugshub.com
11
Bare Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

12
Which are habit forming and are often abused, for example, narcotics like

cocaine, morphine, heroine, marijuana, etc. As you read in newspapers terms

like illegal drug trade, drug trafficking, drug mafia, drug peddler are used to

refer to illegal dealing with habit forming substances, referred to as drugs. A

medicine is a chemical substance which cures treatment or prevention of

disease. Although a drug primarily refers to a medicinal substance, its purpose

is different from that of medicine.12

NARCOTIC DRUG

Narcotics are addictive drugs that reduce the user's perception

of pain and induce euphoria (a feeling of exaggerated and unrealistic

wellbeing). The English word narcotic is derived from the Greek narkotikos ,

which means "numbing" or "deadening". Although the term can refer to any

drug that deadens sensation or produces stupor, it is commonly applied to the

opioids—that is, to all natural or synthetic drugs that act like morphine.

Narcotics are central nervous system depressants that produce a stupor

us state in the person who takes them. These drugs often induce a state of

euphoria or feeling of extreme wellbeing, and they are powerfully addictive.

12
DRUGS AND MEDICINES www.nios.ac.in

13
The body quickly builds a tolerance to narcotics in as little as two to three

days, so that greater doses are required to achieve the same effect. Because of

the addictive qualities of these drugs, most countries in the twenty first

century have strict laws regarding the production and distribution of narcotics.

According to the NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC

SUBSTANCES, ACT, 1985 The term “Narcotic Drug” means coca leaf,

cannabis (hemp), opium, popy straw and includes all manufactured drugs.

PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCE
A psychoactive, psycho pharmaceutical, or psychotropic is a
chemical substance that changes brain function and results in alterations in
perception, mood, or consciousness.13
According to the NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC

SUBSTANCES, ACT, 1985 “Psychotropic substance” means any substance,

natural or synthetic, or any natural material or any salt or preparation of such

substance or material included in the list of psychotropic substances specified

in the Schedule.14

13
CHAPTER 1 Alcohol and Other Drugs". ISBN 0-7245-3361-3
www.nt.gov.au/health/healthdev /health_promotion/bushbook/volume2/chap1
/sect1.htm
14
Bare Act, NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, ACT, 1985

14
 These substances may be used recreationally (either legally or illegally,

depending on the drug and the jurisdiction of the user) to purposefully alter

one's consciousness, or as entheogens for ritual, spiritual, or shamanic

purposes, as a tool for studying or augmenting the mind. Some categories of

psychoactive drugs, which have medical therapeutic value, are prescribed by

medical doctors and other health care professionals. Examples include

anesthetics, analgesics, hormonal preparations, anticonvulsant and

antiparkinsonian drugs or drugs used for the treatment of neuro-psychiatric

disorders, as hypnotic drugs, anxiolytic and some stimulant medications used

in ADHD and some sleep disorders. There are also some psychoactive

substances used in the detoxification and rehabilitation programs for

psychoactive drug users.

There is no difference between Psychotropic Drugs and Psychoactive

Drugs because Psychoactive is synonym of Psychotropic some times many

persons have confused.

DRUG ADDICT

A drug addict is someone who becomes physically, emotionally and

psychologically dependent on the drugs/substances and the absence of which

will create withdrawal symptoms in the person. A drug addict is the one who

15
habitually takes drugs. A drug addict is one who uses drugs everyday and

finds it hard to stop using. An addict is a man or woman whose life is

controlled by drugs, or who is under the bondage.

According to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act

1985

“Addict” mean a person who as dependence on any narcotic drugs or

psychotropic substance”.15

ADDICTION/DEPENDENCE

Addiction is a compulsive habit. The word ‘Addiction’ is derived from

Latin word ‘Addictus’ which means devoting or surrendering one’s life,

giving self to some habit or substance, loosing one’s soul, being caught or

hooked (Dictionary definition). The word ‘addiction’ is generally used to

describe physical dependence. Thus, addiction or ‘physical dependence’ is “a

state whereby the body requires continued administration of the drug in order

to function”. Body functioning is interfered with if the drug is withdrawn, and

15
Bare Act, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act 1985

16
withdrawal symptoms appear in a pattern specific for the drug.

DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction is a periodic or chronic intoxication, detrimental to the

individual and to the society, produced by repeated consumption of a drug. It

is the physiological and psychological dependence on a drug. Drug Addiction

is a state where the person is physically, emotionally and psychologically

dependent on the drugs for his/her normal functioning. The World Health

Organization expert committee defines drug addiction as “a state of periodic

or chronic intoxication, detrimental to the individual and to society, produced

by repeated consumption of a drug either natural or synthetic. Its

characteristics include:

(a) An overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to continue taking the

drug and to obtain it by any means:

(b) A tendency to increase the dose; and

(c) A psychic (psychological) and sometimes a physical dependence

on the effects of the drug”.

This definition covers both alcoholic drugs which have a narcotic

17
(sleeping effect) and are used for self-indulgence. Although the disorganising

effects of these alcoholic drinks and other narcotic drugs are almost similar

and are only a matter of degree, the use of the former is more rampant.

Cancrini and others have attempted to define the term ‘Drug addiction’ in the

following terminology:-

“It consists in a state of intoxication provoked by the repeated and voluntary

use of natural or synthetic drugs.”16

This type of intoxication is characterized by the following features:-

(i) The compulsive need (physical or psychological) to continue using

drug.

(ii) The irresistible craving for the drug and consequent necessity to procure

it at all costs.

(iii) A general loss of interest of in other pursuits and other relationships.

(iv) The acceptance of social role of drug addicts. It is a chronic, relapsing,

and treatable disease. Addiction begins with a conscious choice to use

drugs, but addiction is not just “a lot of drug use.” Recent scientific

16
Surendra jha (2009) Drug Addiction and Mental Health Problem. Delhi: R.K.
Publications and Distributors.

18
 research provides overwhelming evidence that not only do drugs interfere

with normal brain functioning creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but

they also have long – term effects on brain metabolism and activity. At

some point, changes occur in the brain that can turn drug abuse into

addiction. Those addicted to drugs suffer from a compulsive drug craving

and usage and cannot quit by themselves.6

DRUG DEPENDENCE

Drug dependence is the state of physiological or psychological

dependence or occurs in the person after the administration of both drugs. It is

a mental state and sometimes also physical, which arises from the interaction

between a living organism and a drug, which is characteristic of behavior and

other reactions, which always take medication on an ongoing or periodic

basis, To experience, it includes compulsion and sometimes to avoid the loss

of their absence.

In the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders of American Psychiatric

Association (A.P.A., 1994), ‘psychoactive substance abuse’ is defined as “A

19
maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant

impairment or distress”. 17

• Alcohol abuse is diagnosed if one of the following is present:

• Failure to fulfil major obligations, for example, absence from work.

• Exposure to physical dangers, such as driving while intoxicated.

• Legal problems such as driving while intoxicated.

• Persistent social problems such as arguments with spouse.

ABUSE

In international drug control conventions, abuse refers to any

consumption of a controlled substance no matter how infrequent18.The term

‘abuse’ is sometimes used disapprovingly to refer to any use of illicit drugs.

17 Diagnosing Co-Morbid Drug Use in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorders, By Bachaar
Arnaout, M.D. and Ismene L. Petrakis, M.D. (American Psychiatric Association
[A.P.A.], 1994).
18
Russell, J., 1993, Alcohol and Crime, London, Mental Health Foundation.

20
DRUG ABUSE

A drug addict is someone who becomes physically, emotionally and

psychologically dependent on the drugs/substances and the absence of which

will create withdrawal symptoms in the person. A drug addict is the one who

habitually takes drugs. A drug addict is one who uses drugs everyday and

finds it hard to stop using. An addict is a man or woman whose life is

controlled by drugs or who is under the bondage.

ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a

comprehensive term for drinking alcohol which is a result of mental or

physical health problems19. It was divided into two types: alcohol abuse and

alcohol dependence20. Alcoholism, also called alcohol dependence, is a

passive addiction disorder that is characterized as the compulsive and

uncontrolled alcohol addiction, while the peanut has a negative effect on the

health of the person and to see negative social consequences in his life. See

19
Understanding and Treating Alcoholism Volume I: An Empirically Based Clinician's
Handbook for the Treatment of Alcoholism: Volume Ii: Biological, Psychological, and
Social Aspects of Alcohol Consumption and Abuse. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.
p. 55. ISBN 9781317783145. The World Health Organization defines alcoholism as any
drinking which results in problems
20
Hasin, Deborah (December 2003). "Classification of Alcohol Use Disorders".
Pubs.Niaaa.Nih.gov. Retrieved 28 February 2015.

21
you here. Alcoholism, like other drug addiction, has been defined as a

treatable disease in terms of therapy.21 It was called alcoholism before alcohol

dependence replaced by the word alcoholism.22

Many people ask, "What is alcoholism?" Alcoholism is a disease that is

used to drinking alcohol. Alcohol defines the use of old alcohol to the degree

that interferes with physical or mental health or with the behavior of normal

social or work.

In other words, Alcoholism is a disease that produces both physical and

psychological addiction. Alcoholism is a central nervous system depression

which reduces the feeling of anxiety, neglect and guilt. This reduces vigilance

and impurity, judgment, and motor coordination, in high doses, it can harm

consciousness and even death. Drinking is a disease that damages the brain,

liver, heart and other organs.

A GLOBAL PROBLEM

Before discussing the effectiveness of Indian law to investigate illegal

drug trafficking, it is necessary to make a brief overview of the global

21
American Medical Association. "DEFINITIONS" (PDF). USA: AMA. Archived from
the original on. 2010-03-04.
22
Tracy, Sarah J. (25 May 2005). Alcoholism in America: from reconstruction to
prohibition. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. P 31–52. ISBN 978-0-8018-
8119-0.

22
situation in relation to consumption of narcotics and to study the emerging

trend in illegal trade. Illegal drug traffic is increasing at a hazardous rate

across the country, as well as Pakistan has tried to expand its proxy war for

narcotics.

Currently we are facing twin problems (drug trafficking and drug

abusing). Drug trafficking is not a new phenomenon. Many countries like

India is suffering from these problems. India's specific geographical location

makes it vulnerable to smuggling narcotic. In the northern border of the

countries, Golden Crescent, (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) produce heavy

quantities of heroin and overland through European markets in the Middle

East. Supplies from the Golden Triangle , (Myanmar, Thailand and Laos) to

Imported illegal drugs is also supplied and imported through India since the

late eighties. Golden Hexagon also continuously to influence India by

increasing the illegal transit traffic of heroin, which acts as an illegal source of

opiates. Being surrounded by Golden Crescent, Golden Triangle and Golden

Hexagon, India has become a destination and a transit route for opiates

produced in these areas. In India, there is a traditional source of cannabis,

which are also trade to both herbal (marijuana) and resin (charas) in Nepal.

23
 Apart from this, India has been affected by Narco terrorism associated

with smuggling of narcotics and weapons across the border state of Punjab

since the late eighties. Illegal flow of these drugs and chemicals in two ways

not only violates the boundaries of India, but also remains a major threat to

our national security. Due to the intake of drug trafficking and drug abuse in

India as an aberration country, its effect has increased.

In present era the athletes is also using drugs for best performance.

Sportsman are the pride and wealth of nations, know that drug is responsible

for the damage of their health (Doping). Yet they are forced to come in touch

with different types of drugs. In sports, the drug use is more common among

athletes for realising the dream of becoming world champions.

In the influence of drugs abuser has lost control. Once he starts

alcoholism then he can’t avoid drinking. ‘Alcoholism’ implies a state of

‘periodic’ or chronic, intoxication. Alcoholism is detrimental to individual as

well as to the society. Drug addiction and alcoholism seems to be one of the

most dangerous social problems today. These have spread their hands in

western nations as well as in India. The problem of drug abuse has become a

matter of serious public concern, since eighties, particularly on account of its

proliferation among the youth in various socio-cultural and economic strata.

24
 It is the compulsive dependence on a substance, legal or illegal,

characterized by compulsive drug consumption with associated loss of control

in limiting intake, craving and surfacing of an emotional state in the absence

of the drug. Addiction may be a chronic, typically reverting nervous disorder

that causes compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to

the person that is alcohol-dependent and to those around them. Addiction is a

nervous disorder because the use of drugs leads to changes in the structure

and function of the brain. Although it is true that for most people the initial

decision to take drugs is voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused

by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self control and ability to make

sound decisions, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs.

The use of addiction and substance in all cultures is a wide-ranging

problem, the history of addiction to human medicine, the previous

misconceptions indicate that the people of drug addicts lacked the will and

morally weak. But now we know that drug addiction is an old resurgent brain

disease that is characterized by the binding use of addictive substances in

spite of the adverse consequences of the individual and society.

The commonly used classes of drugs include alcohol, psycho

stimulants, opiates, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens and marijuana. They all

25
act deeply in the nervous system, in particular the brain. Some of these

substances like opium, marijuana, cocaine, nicotine, caffeine and mescaline

are obtained from natural sources whereas others are synthetic or designer

drugs. Apart from this, some of these substances, such as alcohol and

nicotine, are legal, while others who are legally available through doctor

prescription have addiction potential in vulnerable individuals.

In most countries, many addictive substances are illegal and the illegal

drug smuggling and business which are often associated with criminal

activities. The initiation of the use of these substances induces euphoria,

reward and a state of well-being that can lead to physical and psychological

dependences. Exhaust Syndrome occurs when a person attempts to stop the

use of addictive substances and it leads to the cycle of dependence. The

mechanisms associated with the cycle of addiction include neuronal

adaptation with tolerance or sensitization involved in the action of addictive

substances.

A number of factors have also been associated with addiction,

including the availability, cost and method of administration, as well as

environmental factors such as behaviours acceptable in a community, peer

influences, and genetic and epigenetic factors. Over the years, many

26
therapeutic approaches for drug and alcohol addiction have been utilized.

However, relapse the presumption of drug taking following a period of drug

abstinence is considered the main hurdle in treating drug addiction.

Unfortunately, pharmacological treatment of drug and alcohol dependency

has largely been disappointing and new therapeutic targets and hypotheses are

needed. For many years, it was assumed that all drugs of abuse release

dopamine in the brain’s reward system to produce pleasure and euphoria, and

consequently, leading to addiction. They now cut across all ages, genders,

social classes, sexual orientations, and all cultural and ethnic groups.

ETYMOLOGY OF DRUG ADDICTION AND DRUG ABUSE

Drug use is related to the illness of man. Upon falling ill, man looks for

treatment and tries to use appropriate drugs so as to get relief from the

suffering. Man has been using drugs for ages primarily for medicinal

purposes. Generally drug use is normal and socially acceptable behavior.

With the passage of time as man developed, the nature and type of drugs also

changed to meet the changing demands of man. Advanced medical research

has produced many miracle drugs today. These drugs give relief from pain on

one hand and on the other hand, it enslaves the man to be dependent upon

them forever. The mutual opposition of drug use and abuse is not a new

27
phenomenon. The medical use of drugs seems reasonable and normal but the

phenomenon of drug abuse or non-medical use is as old as the phenomenon of

drug use for illness. History reveals that man tends to abuse some substances

and drugs. There has always been a segment of which is inclined towards

recreational drugs, overuse of some drugs has the tendency of shifting from

one intoxicant drug to another one. Some of the drugs are highly addictive

and people are soon hooked to them. This is a big threat to the entire society,

so it not only enhances personal health problems but also forces them to think

about the implementation of various social and legal problems such as crimes

and the implementation of laws in a developing country. Addiction is

affecting children and adults most.

Many research reported indicate that some children are already abusing

drugs at age 12 or 13, which likely means that drunkenness begins in

adolescents at a very young age. Early abuse often includes such substances

as tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, and prescription drugs such as

sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicines. If drug abuse persists into later

adolescence, abusers typically become more heavily involved with marijuana

and then advance to other drugs, while continuing their abuse of tobacco and

alcohol. Studies have also shown that abuse of drugs in late childhood and

28
early adolescence is associated with greater drug involvement. It is important

to note that most youth, however, do not progress to abusing other drugs.

PRESENT SCENARIO

INDIVIDUALS WHO BEGIN DRINKING OR USING DRUGS AT AN

EARLY AGE.

90 percent of all young and adults started substance use between the

age of 15 to 18 . Children who first smoke marijuana under the age of 14 are

more than five times as likely to abuse drugs as adults than those who first use

marijuana at age 18. This is a shocking fact.

INDIVIDUALS, WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE

PROBLEMS.

Children who consume alcohol during childhood grow more rapidly of

drug abuse. In 2002, 4 million adults met the criteria for both serious mental

illness and a substance use disorder. 60 to 80 percent of adolescents with

substance use disorders have a co-occurring mental illness.

Now the Prescription drugs is another way to addiction by the drug

addicts. According to a UN report, Prescription drug abuse is increasing in

29
India and this problem is serious in South Asia, which states that drugs enter

the illicit market of the area through various channels, which diverted from

the pharma industry of India and smuggled from Afghanistan.

In addition, the International Narcotics Control Board (ICB), which is

an independent body of the United Nations, works with the worldwide

supervision of the production and consumption of narcotics. The board has

stated in its annual report that governments in South Asia countries to be fully

reciprocated to the threat of drug trafficking and abuse in the region. The

report said that “South Asia is facing a serious and growing drug abuse

problem, including the abuse of pharmaceutical preparations containing

narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and abusing of prescription drug

is growing very fast in India”.

"Drugs have entered into the South Asia illegal drug market in through

several other channels, including the pharmaceutical industry of India, illicit

cultivation and / or manufacture within the region, and smuggling from other

countries, in which Afghanistan (through Pakistan) From is a Myanmar

too”.23

23
Acetic anhydride trafficking, Smuggling routes into and through Afghanistan, THE
GLOBAL AFGHAN OPIUM TRADE - United Nations Office on Drugs andCrime.
P- 133

30
 It has also been said in the report that that the narcotic drugs and

psychotropic substances are being isolated from the pharmaceutical industry

of India and illegal trade is done locally or internationally including internet

pharmacies.

Despite India's efforts to deal with the problem, illegal channels in the

country are major sources of illegal drug trafficked in the region. Globally

also prescription drug abuse often legally obtained medication by a friend or

a family member who no longer needs it or is not using it for medical

purposes is outpacing the rates for illegal drugs in some countries.

INCB President Raymond Yans said “There is an erroneous perception

that prescription drugs are less susceptible to abuse than ‘illicit’ drugs”.24

Further, the report found that India is the main source of heroin

trafficking for Bangladesh. mostly Cannabis is also smuggled into

Bangladesh from India and Nepal.

"India has been one of the five main source countries for the illegal

cannabis resin mentioned by governments across the world in seizure reports

in 2011," also said. Seizures of heroin in India have been increasing since

24
Prescription drug abuse growing in India: UN report, The Indian Express, 5 march 2014

31
2009 and increased from 853 kg in 2012 to 943 kg in 2014. Which has

reached 1000 kg currently.

The quantity of opium seized in India has been increasing since 2009,

when about 1.7 tonnes were seized, to more than 3 tonnes in 2012. It has been

increase 2015 when Opium seizures in 2015 were 1687 kgs.

The quantity of cocaine seized in India has been also increasing in

2011, it was 14 kilograms and then rose to 42 kilogram in 2012 and it reached

113 kilogram in 2015.

India is also a major source of illegal amphetamine type of stimulants

manufactured in South Asia and under illegal trade. India is often cited as a

source country for smuggling of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Myanmar.

Investment in prevention and treatment of drug abuse can lead to

significant savings in health-care and crime-related costs, and alleviate the

suffering of drug-dependent users and their families, the report said. Alcohol

and other medicines - including prescription drugs are normal and expensive.

It can cause many medical problems and if it is not treated then it can destroy

families and lives. Frequent abuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to

32
addiction, a disease that affects the brain and behavior. Some people are more

sensitive to developing problems with alcohol or other medicines.

In addition to the above report, if we look, we will know that India

ranks second to Afghanistan in production of licit opium and possibly the

country producing the only gum, as found by the Indian Central Bureau of

Narcotics. In the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh (Mansur), Rajasthan

(Kota, Jodhpur, etc.) and Uttar Pradesh (Ghazipur) have grown opium. By the

turn of the century, The Government of India had licensed nearly 160,000

farmers to cultivate opium on about 35,000 hectares. In the year 2000, 1300

metric ton opium was harvested, The largest amount in many decades. In

1999, an estimated 300 metric tons of light opium was turned into black

market, heroin was converted into 'brown sugar' and sold.Ten per cent of the

diversion of opium gum would make India the world’s fourth largest producer

of illegal opiates.

Afghanistan produces Opium about 90% in the world. After Myanmar,

many Indian states like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur,

Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh are involved in illegal production

of opium poppies. Since the beginning of 1980, opium derivatives such as

heroin have been used in the major metros like India, New Delhi, Kolkata,

33
Chennai and Mumbai etc. There is a pure variety known as 'white sugar' or

'number four' in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram states, which is closest to

the source of heroin. Heroin has been sold since 1973 in Manipur. During the

decade of 1990, it has been observed that in all major metros, injecting

pharmaceuticals, in particular, bueparoneophin took epidemiological

proportions and was often used as an alternative to heroin users. Apart from

this, trafficking of heroin, hashish and morphine from Afghanistan, Pakistan,

Myanmar has not stopped but has increased further. Our country and other

countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, etc. must also strictly control

on this trafficking, which is not presently available.

Drug trade in India also runs from Nepal. About 32% of heroin seized

in India have produce in Afghanistan or Pakistan and which comes in India

via China.

Our country is growing at incredible pace, its culture, social values,

demography and economy are changing fast, and these stresses are having an

effect on people. Some evidence suggests that there is a growing use of illegal

drugs in India and more than 3 million drugs have been reported. However,

the World Health Organization has noted that due to poor bureaucratic

procedures and census reporting, it is difficult to assess the rate of drug use

34
and addiction in the country. Cannabis, heroin, opium and hashish are the

most commonly used drugs in India, however, some evidence indicate that

methamphetamine is also increasing. Drug addiction is a big problem for

many families, communities and law enforcement agencies. The heavy

numbers of narcotic drugs are challenge to the country due to lack of financial

costs, services and lack of appropriate care. This is not only a matter of

addiction but is also a hindrance in the development of the country.

Similarly if we look at the other side then we will know that in the case

of health HIV is an important issue for addiction in India. which has 2.4

million infected people. India is considered to be the third largest country in

terms of HIV infection rate in the world. Users of HIV-positive drug

substances injected into almost 10 percent of affected groups of drug users are

often violently rejected by the attack, discrimination, families and

communities. Some HIV positive people hide their condition due to the fear

and anxiety of being removed from housing or jobs and they are at risk in

other places of society. The increasing rate of HIV spread across all

communities of India has worried the government.

Cannabis is an incredibly popular and widely used drug in India and it

is known as ganja, charas or bhang. India has a long history of cannabis use

35
and one of the five sacred plants mentioned in Hindu texts, Vedas. It is

usually associated with the Hindu deity Shiva. Whenever someone uses drugs

to leave a drug addiction, he immediately speaks that Lord Shiva also takes

intoxicants. Now it has become such a trend that Lord Shiva devotee can not

live without drunkenness. Many saint groups also drunk very well and

understand the offerings of Shiva, use those things which are drugs.25

In Hindu ceremonies, the drug is often poured into smoked or drunk.

Cannabis is mixed with a mixture of milk or curd and boiled with nuts and

spices to make a refreshing drink. This drink is consumed by many people

across the country, especially by labor workers. Despite its broad and

acceptable use, cannabis is illegal to use and keep in any form. Some figures

keep regular cannabis as high as 10 million in India,26 many of these among

the working poor. many of these heavy users are dependent on drugs and

suffer from major health problems such as respiratory disorders, memory loss,

mental unrest, digestive system problems, with weight loss and sleeping.

A form of heroin called Brown Sugar is usually used in the country,

which is a mixture of heroin, which is typically between 20 to 60 percent

purity and is mixed in the form of chalk, zinc or other chemicals. This drug is
25
Use of drugs in religion, Chandrakant S, 12 july 2016, www.youngistan.in
26
Drug policy in India, Tripti Tandon, Dupty Directors lawyers collective, P-4.
www.Idhdp.com

36
popular in India because it is cheap and readily available.27 However, the

purity of the drug is doubtful and can increase the risk of high doses. In

addition, some users have serious adverse effects due to taking drugs, because

the adulterated substances can be toxic. Injecting drug users often suffers

from cellulites or other infections, and respiratory problems are common in

those substances that smoked substances.28

Evidence shows that the use of brown sugar, heroin in the Indian

people is a growing tendency among the children of the age group of 13 years

in all groups of the society. This is not a drug for the rich and elite only. 29 It is

now taken by students and women, and is usually used in slums, in rich

quarrying and business people. Heroin is a drug that is easy to take but

difficult to overcome. The addictive qualities are well documented but access

to rehabilitation services and medical treatment are not often available to the

people of India. This is especially true for those who are from poor

communities. The exact heroin addiction rates in India are unknown.

27
Drug addiction in India, Dr.Fourkan Ali, 23 August 2016,
www.fourkansarticle.blogspot.com
28
Emerging and Underrecognized Complications of Illicit Drug Use, Ellie J. C. Goldstein,
12 August 2015, www.ncbi.nih.gov
29
MEDICO LEGAL ASPECT OF DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE, Dr Putul
Mahanta, Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology 10 (2010) P-
2

37
 However, there are over 1 million registered addicts, with estimates

suggesting that the actual number may be as high as 5 million.30

Methamphetamine is a major problem across the world and there is

increasing reports of its use in India.31 India is a major producer of precursor

chemicals for methamphetamine, which includes ephedrine and chemicals

that are used in the processing.32 The majority of methamphetamine

chemicals are smuggling in major manufacturing countries such as China,

Thailand, Mexico and America.33

Use of methamphetamine is associated with many serious physical and

mental health concerns, including violence, paranoia, insomnia, organ and

brain damage. Amphetamine drugs are often used as a stimulant for the poor

working class, so that they can eat less and work hard.34 Using drugs for this

purpose is dangerous and can lead to major problems with families and

communities. Not only they are very addictive, but their use can harm motor

skills, response time, problem-solving skills and cause sexual dysfunction.

30
Drug addiction in India, Status of drugs in India, www.alcoholrehab.com
31
World drug report 2012 (UNODC) 2012, P-
32
World’s largest consumers of cocaine, The world fact book, www.cia.gov, P-5
33
Trafficking of methamphetamines from china and mayanmar, 2014. www,UNODC.org
34
The effects of meth: what does meths do to your body, wwww.addictionresource.com

38
 Although India is generally considered to be an abstinent country and

we also know that alcohol is being used throughout the whole of India since

its historical period. Toxic alcohol drinks are being used in India since ancient

times. At that time its use became part of formal and sacrificial practices in

the Vedic age and the use of narcotics of cannabis plants was mainly used for

medicinal purposes.35

Hindu scripture Ved, written before 2000 BC. Mentions a drink

beverage called 'Soma' made from various plant juices.36 Two types of

alcoholic beverages, 'Ira' and 'Masura' were widely used in the Dravid era.37 It

is also reported that Dravidians also knew the art of tapping toddy (Dikshitar,

1951).38

As mentioned above, 'Soma' a type of fermented alcohol was used

during Arian or Vedic period. It was made of plant juice like 'Hemp' and

'Ephenda.

35
The Drink and Drug Evil, badrul hasan khan sabri(1922)
36
“The habits of intoxicants in India”. Thought. Muller, Max. (1921). December, 21, 1921.
37
Singhal, Suchithra & Nagalakshmi, S.V. (1994). “Relapse in alcoholism”. Indian
Psychological Abstracts and Reviews, 1(2), 89 ff.
38
Dikshitar, V.R. (1951). In: Gurumeet Singh & Brijal. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 21,
39-45.

39
 Three kinds of liquors, namely, ‘Gouri’, ‘Madvi’ and ‘Paishtri’ were

known at the time of Manu. They were prepared from molasses,39 sweet

flowers and rice and barley cakes respectively.40 Liquor use was known

during the time of Maurya and Sanga period, as well as in the Epic periods.

The Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh traditions are seen to impose various

sanctions against the use of liquor but all the same their use was never

reduced.41

Liquor use was known during the time of Maurya and Sanga period, as

well as in the Epic periods. The Buddhist, Muslim and Sikh traditions are

seen to impose various sanctions against the use of liquor but all the same

their use was never reduced Medicinal use of marijuana has been dated to

2737 B.C. in China.42 Hemp has been used in India since time immemorial to

stimulate mental ability and sexual powers.43

Aristotle's disciple, Theophrastus confirms the use of Dussehra by the

ancient Greeks; Adds further evidence to sacraments in the bribe of

hallucinogen. The Greeks have also learned to use it because it is the

39
Ray, J.C. (1906). “Hindu method of manufacturing spirit from rice and its scientific
explanation”. Journal of Asiatic Society of Bengal, 2, 19 ff.
40
Ibid
41
Chapter one in shodhganga introduction,P-17
42
Drug use among current users in India, drug addiction is a social eveil by P.K.Sharma,
P-4
43
Sudip Kumar Chaudhari, Drug Addiction Among the Youth in Calcutta, (1998), p.1

40
resentment of their word, opium juice, the Latin word comes from. 44 The

poppy was old in Greek Legend before Homer in Iliad, recounting a decoction

of it used by Helen of Troy, said that it had the power of forgetfulness of

pain45 and the sense of evil. But not until the 19th century A.D was the active

substances in drugs extracted.46

There followed a time when some of these newly discovered

substances morphine, laudanum, cocaine were completely unregulated and

prescribed freely by physicians for a wide variety of ailments. They were

available in patent medicines and sold by travelling tinkers, in drugstores, or

through the mail. During the American Civil War, morphine was used freely;

and wounded veterans returned home with their kits of morphine and

hypodermic needles. Opium dens flourished.47 Napoleon's army, returning

from Egypt, introduced cannabis (hashish, marijuana) into France. Avant-

garde artists and writers in Paris developed their own cannabis ritual, leading,

in 1844, to the establishment of Le Club de Haschischins.48

44
William A. Emboden, Jr., “Ritual Use of Cannabis Sativa L.: A Historical-Ethnographic
Survey”, in Peter T. Furst (ed.), Flesh of the Gods, pp.214-236.
45
Sudip Kumar Chaudhari, Drug Addiction Among the Youth in Calcutta (1998), p.13.
Opium has also been used for medicinal purposes among the Rajputs in Rajasthan and
Gujarat; Molly Charles, Dave Bewley, Taylor and Amanda Neidpath, Drug Policy in
India: Compounding Harm? p.3.
46
Substances of Abuse, edited by Paula M. Potter, vol-II, 2007
47
Ibid P-13
48
War and Drugs: The Role of Military Conflict in the Development of Substance Abuse,
By Dessa K. Bergen-Cico 2016.

41
 The new trend in the consumption of alcohol was started with British

colonialism. The use of alcohol during the British rule was widespread.

Britishers used alcohol in every program. It was that time it was a common

practice to bring expensive liquor from abroad.49

Mahatma Gandhi was an influential spokesman during the former

independence period. He said: "If I was appointed dictator for one hour for

India, then first thing, without compensation, I have to stop all liquor shops

and cut down all toddy palms”.50

The use of dependence producing drugs in India also has long

traditional and social roots. Near the end of the nineteenth century, it was

realized that cocaine was being used in certain parts of the States of Bengal

and Bihar for its euphoric effects.51 The habit spread to large towns such as

Kolkata, Mumbai and others.52

But after the second world war, the problem of drug abuse became

increasingly intense in decades. Although drug misuse includes alcohol,

cannabis, heroin and opium and many derivatives such as cocaine, cannabis,

49
Lebralising the liquor trade in India, by D. Dhanuraj and Rahul V. Kumar Nov 11,
2014, www.cppr.in
50
India of my dream, By mahatama Gandhi, 1947. www.mkgandhi.org
51
Drug trafficking an analytical study, by M.C.Janki, Indian social science journal.
52
Indigenoius drug of India, R.N.Chopra, P-164

42
hashish etc.53 There is also talk of whether there has been a proper

implementation of laws made in the fight against drug addiction and alcohol

in India, and if it is not happening then what is the loopholes.54

Finally, all the drugs purchased on the street are potentially hazardous

because they cannot be claimed. Many are mixed with other substances to

give them more bulled Sometimes these substances are harmful in

themselves.55 They may be stronger than claimed, making accidental

overdose a possibility. All drugs, both legal and illegal, carry inherent

dangers, and these vary according to the actual drug misused.56 Apart from

this, due to physical and psychological differences between individuals, some

drugs will have little effect on a person, but will be seriously affected by

another.57 Some risks, however, are common for the abuse of all drugs, the

effect of alcohol mixing with other drugs, especially other depressants,

doubles on any drug, thereby causing adverse reactions and the risk of loss

may increase.58 Sometimes, a relatively safe dose of each individual drug may

combine to result in a fatal overdose. Buying drugs at street level is a

hazardous practice. Most dealers have given very little information about the

53
Alcohol gender and drinking problems
54
Ibid
55
What is substance use all about ? www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov
56
Harmful side effects of drugs,www. scholarship.law.edu
57
The Science of Adolescent Risk-Taking: Workshop Report. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
58
How drug can kill, www.learngenetics.utah.edu

43
quality of the drug, or what substance has been mixed with them. 59 Heroin,

cocaine and amphetamine are all 'cut' several times as they descend the

distribution ladder, with other powders, often impure and sometimes

poisonous, being added to increase the volume and so the profits. Even tablets

and capsules offered as pharmaceutical products may not be what they appear.

'Look-alike' drugs are sometimes sold for the 'real thing', and capsules easily

come apart so that the powder inside can be substituted.60 On the other hand,

the may be too pure a user who is accustomed to diluted supply may

underestimate the strength of the drug, and so take an overdose.61

IN INDIA

In 1947, when India became independent, a strong movement was

developed against alcohol distribution and consumption in the whole country .

In Indian constitution, the Prohibition was laid down in the Directive

Principles of State Policy.62 Since independence, the central and also many

state governments passed the prohibition laws, Two states namely, Bombay

59
Drugs and alcohol use with diabetes, www.drug abuse.com
60
Ibid
61
Drugs and damaging variations, chapter-2, www.shodhganga.inflibit
62
Fundamental rights and Directive principal of state policy, constitution of India, by J.N.
Pandey 2010.

44
and Madras, introduced abstinence laws by 1951 Other states also passed the

same legislation.63

However, we look at the change in government approach. Changes in

Indian liquor policy began from 1960, resulting in a sharp increase in the

production of alcohol. In another study in Punjab State showed the rate of

increase of 74.2 percent in alcohol consumption.64 It has shown that drinking

was prevalent among 10.4 percent of the working class families. 65 An another

study indicates that, the percentage of alcohol users among high school

students was identical with that of the university students, mean 12.7 percent.

An interesting feature of Indian alcoholic consumption is that the use of

alcohol is primarily a male privilege and it is believed that men drink too

much alcohol compared than women, but if we study deeply, the percentage

of women is equal to males Only get it. If the figures are gathered in metro

cities today, then we also get to see this.

In "Mann Ki Baat", Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited people and

non-governmental organizations to deal with the problem of drug abuse. Modi

also mentioned on the program that many people had written to him about the

63
Ibid
64
A. (1978). “A study of drug use among industrial workers”. Gangrade, K.D. & Gupta,A
Project report of Delhi School of Social Workers, New Delhi: University of Delhi.
65
Ibid

45
problem in a series of tweets on his official Twitter account. He said that

youth are the asset of the country and the nation can not afford to see them

falling from drug misuse.

He said, "The government is coming to the issues which I have to touch, but

for how long will we hide things, for good intentions, we have to speak the

truth and I will do it." He had said that the government has the responsibility

to address social problems like drug addiction and this will create an

environment in this regard.66

Statistics show that at least 25,426 people have committed suicide due

to drug and addiction related problems across India in the last 10 years. It

comes to an average of 2,542 suicides every year, 211 per month and 7 per

day.

Appalling truth is that suicides due to drug related problems exceed

dowry, poverty and money related suicides in India in most of the last 10

years.67

According to the graph, the number of suicides has been increasing

since 2004. From 2004 to 2013, we observe a jump of a whopping 149%.

66
Substance Abuse, 5 major treatment and issues and approaches,
www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov
67
Youngistaan better yoth better tomorrow,www.youthjustonestep.wordpress.com

46
 According to official figures of the Ministry of Social Justice and

Empowerment, there are 3.4 million drug abuse victims. This number is not

included alcoholics, which is 11 million in the country. 68

India is extremely weak because it is sandwiches between two

notorious drug routes and growing areas of opium, 'Golden Crescent' in the

north-west and 'golden triangle' on the north-east, where drugs are easily

available. Government takes remedial measures such as Integrated

Rehabilitation Centres (IRCA) providing counselling, treatment and

rehabilitation services for drug users. But the number of IRCA is very low.69

Even though 3.4 million victims of drug abuse victims, the government has

only 401 rehabilitation centres working in present. According to the IRCA it

is a huge number of 8,478 victims.

Out of these 3.4 million drug users, only 0.3 million have registered

themselves in these de addiction centres, which are only 10% of the total

figure.70

And about 0.3 million registered members are from 0.15 million (50%) from

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha and Manipur.71

68
India on a 'high' with 7 drug addiction related suicides every day, Nov 05, 2014,
www.hindustantimes.com
69
Ibid
70
The Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), ssepd.gov.in

47
 If computed using 'per capita drug victims', most of the North-Eastern

states are ready for drug addicts at the top of the table as home to drug

abusers.

The entry of drugs into the Indian market is another reason for serious

concern. During the last four years , around 100 million kg of drugs were

seized across India. As we can see from the graphs of Punjab and North-

Eastern states, lead the pack in drug seizures.72

Even the information available in the public domain is out of date

because any Indian agency has not implemented the drug related data

effectively.

Their efforts to bring Prime Minister Modi's concern and discussion in the

public domain is a good start because the drug abuse, which mainly affects

the youth, is toll on health, leads to suicide, and can hamper India's

demographic dividend if not checked soon.

71
A-Z Challenge –V – Valuneable,www.sunshineandzephyr.com
72
India on a 'high' with 7 drug addiction related suicides every day, Nov 05, 2014,
www.hindustantimes.com

48
TYPES OF DRUGS SEIZED :

Amphetamine, Cannabis Plant, Cocaine, Ephedrine, Ganja, Hashish,

Heroin, Ketamine, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), Methylenedioxy-N-

Methylamphetamine(MDMA), Methamphetamine, Methaqualone(Mandrax),

Morphine, Opium, Opium Poppy Plant, Other Manufactured Drugs, Other

Psychotropic Substances, Poppy Husk, Poppy Straw, Pseudoephedrine,

Spasmo, Syrup, Tablets.73

Intake of alcoholic beverages was gradually diverted from religious to

ordinary use in very early times (National Institute of Alcoholism, 1993).

Man has learned from his own experience as well as from those of others that

the use of alcohol and other drugs does more harm than good. But the number

of people using and abusing alcohol and other similar substances increases

day by day.74

For some, it may be that these substances are considered to be some of

the initial beneficial effects.75 For others, this can happen because they have a

tendency to engage in something that is not usually beneficial. Still others

may not consider alcohol and other substances harmful to health. Many

73
Parliamentry data about drug abuse in India, Hindustan Times,
www.hindustantimes.com
74
Ibid
75
How to substance effect brain and behavior, www.ncbi.gov

49
people's knowledge and attitude towards these substances are found in facts

and novels, truths and half-truths, beliefs and myths.76

Injection drugs are the most direct and potentially dangerous form of

administration. It increase the dependency and overdosing to the risk of both.

The dirty and shared syringe, invites the danger of contract for life-

threatening infection like hepatitis and AIDS.77

The last decade has seen the emergence and rise of the Human

immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Decade has seen the use of

psychoactive drugs has helped in spreading HIV infection through many

ways.78 The most direct way through the needle shared by the intravenous

drug users is from the transmission of HIV.

It is quite wrong to think that sniffing or smoking heroin, rather than

injected it, will avoid the development of both a physical and psychological

dependence.79 If a drug is addictive to nature, although it is taken, there is a

possibility of reaching regular access dependence.80 The effects of drugs can

76
Ibid
77
Needle Sharing Among Intravenous Drug Abusers: National and International
Perspectives, Robert J. Battjes, D.S.W. Roy W. Pickens, Ph.D. P- 145
78
Origin of HIV and AIDS Pandemic – NCBI-NIH, www.ncbi.ni.nih.gov
79
Drug addiction and its damaging variations, Shodhganga.inflibit.ac.in
80
Snorted, injected or smoked? It can affect a drug’s addictiveness, September 2,
2015, The conversation.com

50
be unpredictable, even the opposite of what is expected. There may be

anxiety, stress, and aggression in the user's mood, though the medication is to

depress the central nervous system (such as, with alcohol or tranquillisers).81

While generally thought to relax and calm people down, by removing

inhibitions they can cause aggressive or violent reactions.82 Psychological

drugs (which affect the mind) can also be used in a small amount, reducing

psychological skills and reducing the person's ability in daily activities. There

are social and criminal dangers, too. By handling or using illegal drugs, a

person is liable to prosecution.83 Drugs are expensive, so there may be an

additional temptation to sell whatever comes one way, thus committing a

more serious crime. Many regular users will have to resort to crime like theft

for the financing of their habit. There is tendency, therefore, for addicts who

circulate in the drug scene to be drawn into a generally criminal way of life.

On the basis of all these things mentioned above, the researcher has

decided to conduct research on this subject. Which we will study in the next

chapters.

81
Anti anxity drugs and abuse, minddisorder.com
82
The Evolution of the World Drug Problem”, www.unodc.org
83
International Narcotic Control Bureau Report 2005, p.42.

51