Letters to The EDITOR: Drug abuse among youth in Assam: A growing concern

Letters to The EDITOR

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Drug abuse among youth in Assam: A growing concern

Assam, a state known for its cultural vibrancy and natural beauty, is facing a growing crisis that threatens the health and future of the youth. It is the alarming rise of drug abuse. In recent years, substance use among adolescents and young adults in Assam has increased at an unprecedented rate, making it not just a public health issue but a social emergency that demands immediate and sustained intervention.

Reports from various health and social research studies suggest that drug use in Assam has reached deeply into both urban and rural communities, with vulnerable groups such as street children and students being especially affected. The most commonly abused substances range from alcohol and tobacco to more harmful narcotics like inhalants, cannabis, and even synthetic drugs. The root causes of this epidemic are complex and multifaceted. Peer pressure remains a significant trigger, with many adolescents turning to drugs in an attempt to fit in or assert a false sense of independence. Additionally, widespread unemployment and economic instability have left many young people frustrated and disillusioned, turning to substance use as a misguided form of escape. Compounding the issue is the easy availability of drugs, facilitated by Assam’s proximity to international borders and weak enforcement mechanisms. Moreover, broken family structures, lack of parental supervision, and minimal awareness further aggravate the problem.

The consequences of drug addiction among youth are far-reaching. Apart from the obvious health implications — including increased risk of mental illness, HIV/AIDS, and long-term organ damage — drug abuse also leads to educational setbacks, rising school dropout rates, and a surge in petty crime and violence. Social stigma surrounding addiction often prevents young individuals from seeking help, which only deepens their isolation and worsens the situation. In response, the Assam government, in collaboration with NGOs and civil society organisations, has launched a range of initiatives, from awareness campaigns in schools to rehabilitation programmes. While these are commendable steps, their effectiveness remains limited by a lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and continuity. Public discourse around drug abuse is still marred by stigma, which inhibits open discussion and community participation.

To combat this growing crisis, Assam must adopt a more holistic approach. It is vital to strengthen school-based education programs that go beyond fear-based messaging and instead equip students with life skills, emotional resilience, and decision-making capabilities. Parental engagement also needs to be prioritised through workshops and community outreach. Rehabilitation centres must be made more accessible, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, and support systems should include mental health counselling and vocational training.

More importantly, there must be a coordinated policy effort that bridges the gap between law enforcement, healthcare, and education sectors. Regular data collection and monitoring of trends in drug use can help in designing more targeted interventions. The media too has a critical role to play in creating awareness and reshaping public attitudes towards addiction as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Assam stands at a crossroads. Its youth — the architects of its future — are at risk of being lost to addiction unless urgent and empathetic action is taken. The time has come to treat drug abuse not just as a problem of the individual but as a collective societal challenge that must be addressed with compassion, commitment, and courage.

Kabita Buragohain

Dhemaji

Missing the breakfast?

I have been a regular subscriber of the esteemed English local daily, The Sentinel, since its inception. In this regard I fully agree with the views expressed by C. Sanyal from Pune in his letter titled THE SENTINEL EPAPER in your esteemed daily dated 7/6/25. Most of the readers residing in and outside Assam are deprived of going through their esteemed daily in the morning on the breakfast table. For someone like me, The Sentinel paper is very much a part of life.

So, please let us enjoy our breakfast.

Dr Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati.

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 Labour laws

violated in Kuwait

Labour laws are being violated in Kuwait and many other countries of the world, and Indian workers are facing harassment from their employers. Many people migrate in the hope of a better life but are asked to surrender in front of the powerful authorities there. Companies manipulate labour laws in their favour. They file fake ‘absconding’ cases against those who raise their voice against violations of labour laws. They ask the employees to vacate their company flats without giving him/her his/her ‘end of service’ letter and passport. The Indian Embassy must intervene and investigate the matter to safeguard the workers’ rights. They must also ensure that labour laws are not violated and no person has to go to jail over false allegations.

Jubel D'Cruz

(jubeldcruz@yahoo.com)