A letter to my friend

24/3, Mayur Vihar

Karol Bagh, New Delhi

June 12, 20XX

44- Anand Vihar

New Delhi

Subject: Ill-effects and Solutions of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Dear friend

How goes the day? I realised it's been a while since I last wrote to you. So, I
thought of dropping in a line. Hope you’re enjoying the day.

A friend indeed won’t let you smoke that weed and that, my friend is the reason I’m
writing to you. Drugs and your addiction to them of which I came to know about
lately, are easy to fall in love with. The sanctuary they grant to escape from reality
is what attracts youth towards them and also the desire to seek constant euphoria
plays a big role. The thing with drug addiction is that even though most of its
preys know about the ill-effects it brings, they still can’t hold themselves out of the
clutches of this drug-demon. Drug addiction is like a complex brain disease
whose origin may vary from curiosity to peer-pressure. Lack of self confidence,
high level stress, social pressure, mental trauma, psychological issues,
dysfunctional homes are the root causes of day-by-day increasing drug abuse
and illicit trafficking. People are not addicted to drugs they are addicted to
escaping reality.

Drugs, basically hamper the thinking ability of human brain. A lot of people do
not realize the damage caused by drug addiction because the short term effects
are not apparent at first. At first you will feel quite invincible and free. You will
feel as if your misery and agony have elapsed out of the window. You will feel
numb to all the emotions but as the body adapts to the substance, it needs
increasing amount of it to experience the desired outcome which eventually leads
to the unwanted destination – Drug addiction.

“Drugs actually take you to hell disguised as heaven.”

Not only mentally and physically, but they can destroy you financially, emotionally
and socially. Drug addiction has far reaching ramifications on individuals and
society. In a National Survey conducted by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
(UNODC) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, for the year 2000-
2001(report published in 2004), it was estimated that about 732 lakh persons in India
were users of alcohol and drugs. Of these 87 lakh used Cannabis and 20 lakh
used opiates.
Other effects of drug addiction include – heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and
contraction of HIV, respiratory problems, lung cancer, abdominal pain, kidney
damage, liver problem, brain damage, stroke, seizures, and changes in appetite.
The impact of drug addiction can be far-reaching and affect every organ of the
body.
I think these are enough reasons to say a goodbye to drugs but I know it’s not that
easy. The chains of drug are too light to be felt until they are too strong to be
broken. So, unlike a preacher who would keep you hanging there, I will provide
you with a solution. The guilt of usage of drugs that I have implied on you must be
throbbing inside your heart but don’t worry. Drug addiction like any other
disease can be treated and addicts can be helped to lead productive lives. Some
people think that people get drug addicted because of lack of moral values and
willpower and that this addiction can be dislodged very easily. People
subscribing to this school of thought fail to discern that drugs distorts the
thinking pattern of an individual. Consumption of drugs for a long time makes
body depend on it and such a person can’t live without drugs.

Different treatment methodologies are employed in treating drug abuse. The treatment
plan is devised as per the condition of the addict. It is essential that the treatment is
tailored to the unique individual as there is no single treatment that works for all.

1) Inpatient drug abuse treatment is one of the options that allows the addict to focus
on his/her recovery. Attending this treatment facility can increase the chances of
completing the drug addiction rehabilitation program, especially if the addict does not
have good support system at home.

2) Outpatient drug abuse treatment is ideal for those addicts who have a supportive
environment at home. It is usually recommended for those who want to attend short-
term inpatient treatment program.

3)Cognitive behavioural therapy is another treatment option that is highly effective in

treating drug addiction issues. CBT helps in controlling negative thought patterns that
lead to drug abuse. Patients can identify the triggers that cause them to use drugs and
learn to respond without the need to turn to the substance.

“Before you break out of your prison, you must realise that you’re locked up”
You don’t get over an addiction by stopping using it. You overcome it by creating
a new life where it is easier to not use. If you don’t do that, then all the factors that
brought you to your addiction will catch up with you again. Recovery is not a
race . “Recovery is an acceptance that your life is in shambles and you have to
change it.” Recovery takes time . It starts within your brain and spreads out to
every domain of your life. It will hurt. It will fail many times. It will require
dedication, willpower and sacrifice. You will need to push your body to its
maximum. There will be temptation. But I promise, it's worth it. Life is worth it. You
are worth it. You didn’t choose to be addicted, what you chose is to deny your
pain. But just because you fell deep doesn’t mean you have to stay there. Give
your life a chance and trust me, life will take you higher than drugs.
Take care. Stay healthy.

Yours Truly
XYZ
................................................................................................................................................................

Name: Nikunj Goyal

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