Vinod Anand

DRUG addiction is both a psychology and pathological condition. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute drug use to the development of drug-seeking behavior, the vulnerability to relapse, and the decreased, slowed ability to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli. There are three stages of addiction: preoccupation/anticipation, binge/intoxication, and withdrawal/negative effect.

These stages are characterised, respectively, everywhere by constant and unabated cravings and preoccupation with obtaining the substance; using more of the substance than necessary to experience the intoxicating effects; and experiencing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and decreased motivation for normal life activities.

Drug addction has many symptoms, and hence, it is also called drug syndrome. It is akin to what we also term as autism. Some of the symptoms of such hard habits are briefly mentioned below:
• Loneliness, aloof in a manner;
• Inappropriate attachments to objects;
• Lack of response when called;
• Inappropriate laughing and giggling without any worthwhile reason;
• Avoiding eye contacts;
• Difficulty in socializing
• Not using the index finger to indicate interest;
• No interest in any tasks that involve social understanding;
• No understanding of fear and dangers;
• Echoing words and phrases;
• Lack of pretend play or unusual and repetitive pretend play;
• Enjoying spinning and rotating objects;
• Having a desire to lead adults by the hand;
• Extreme restlessness, hyperactivity and extreme passivity
• Crying tantrum and showing extreme distress for no clear reason;
• Apparent insensitivity to pain;
• Not enjoying any change; liking sameness in everyday routine;
• Sometimes hates to be hugged or even touched;
• No response to good manners;
• Nor responding to normal teaching methods;
• Unusual behaviour and body language such as flapping hands or rocking and jumping;
• Having destructive habit
• Lacking good manners;
• Telling lies in a crude way;
• Not respecting the elders;
• Genetic makeup; and
• Peer pressure.

These symptoms arise at a very young age. They also get aggravated because of parents who, somehow, fail to impart good moral and ethical values to their children. It is said that the attitude of children gets fixed at the age of 7 or so, and once it is there, it goes on unabated, and there is never any cure for that. Apart from what has been said above, there are also a few other reasons that add to this syndrome. The invisible urge for intoxication normally arises in infancy, especially amongst the children of (undeserving) rich sections of society ( ofcourse with exceptions) because of many reasons for which the parents are responsible. Some of these reasons that are linked with inadequate upbringing of children are mentioned below :
• Pampering by parents;
• Having just one child for self- interest;
• Lack of time for bringing up the children;
• Lack of imbibing good culture and habits;
• Exhibiting richness to the children just for status; and
• Encouraging the children to marginalise the poor people; and
• Educating the children in the so-called rich public schools.

All these factors contribute to drug addiction, and then it becomes the main target of the central nervous system, and leads to
• Unhappiness and depression;
• Criminal and nefarious activities;
• Serious health problems and major illness;
• Severe mental pollution;
• Spread of unethical and immoral vices in the society;
• Serious demonstration effects;
• Immoral, dishonest, and fake marriages;
• Divorce and separation;
• Bad social behavior;
• Lack of private and public responsibilities;
• Distorted and shady personality; and
• Anxiety.
Once the addiction is there, there is no immediate way out except a prolonged but ineffective medication.

In the context of India, it is reported that drug addiction is a major health hazard. There are about 70 million drug addicts, and the number is even expected to mount spreading its wings to even semi-urban and backward areas as well. This addiction is seen widely especially within the age group of 12-18 years with a percentage of 21.4 for alcohols, 3 per cent for cannabis, 0.7 per cent for opiates and any 3.6 per cent for other illicit drugs.

The only way that works in this context is in the earlier stages of upbringing of children. They should be imparted highly moral, ethical, and religious ‘informal’ education in order to cultivate good habits. Beyond that, even formal education in schools must have updated compulsory courses on various religions and cultures.

For purposes of providing barriers to this drug infection in the society, the law must be very severe and deterrent for the culprits so that no one dares to go on this pathway.

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Obama to change American policy toward Latin America

Dr Swaraj Singh

AFTER Europe, Obama seems poised to change American policy toward Latin America. He emerged as the most popular leader and center of attraction at the summit of the Americas in the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. This was quite a contrast to President Bush’s performance at the previous Americas’ summit. Hugo Chavez called Bush “Devil”.

This time, the Venezuelan President noticed a difference between Bush and Obama calling Obama an intelligent man compared to Bush.

Even though a joint declaration could not be signed because of the differences over the inclusion of Cuba in the organization, yet every body agreed that the atmosphere at the summit was upbeat. Even the most vocal critics of the American policies had only praise for President Obama. President Bush managed to alienate most of the Latin American countries except for Columbia. However, President Obama’s approach of a dialogue and willingness to understand other’s perspective was very much appreciated.

President Obama has expressed willingness to hold discussions with the Cuban leaders. The Cuban leaders have responded very well and they are willing to discuss any matter, including human rights issues. Fidel Castro also appreciated Obama calling him an intelligent man. Obama has lifted some restrictions on the Americans visiting Cuba. However, all these leaders liked the approach of President Obama.

Most of the World is noticing a big difference between President Bush and President Obama. Bush was probably the most disliked President America ever had. Bush wanted to maintain America’s status as the only super power of the World and the policeman of the World. Most of the World perceived him as blunt, arrogant and ill-informed. Obama seems to understand that the days of America being the only super power of the World are over and the World has changed from a uni polar World to a multi power World. America has to change its policies according to the new global conditions.

It is also becoming clear that a little change in the policies is not going to do it for America. A fundamental change from the consumerist capitalism to a utilitarian capitalism and adopting the concept of a welfare state is required. Without such radical change, America will not be able to come out of the present crisis.

[The writer is a doctor and Chairman Washington State Network for Human Rights]

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