Mangalore, Jun 26: The psychiatry department of KMC Hospital, Attavara, here, organized an awareness progrramme to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday.
Delivering the presidential address Dr. M.V Prabhu, Dean of KMC, Mangalore explained the dangerous consequences of drug abuse. He gave examples of youth who couldn 't handle success like famous American singer and musician Elvis Presley who succumbed to opiate abuse. He told the story of the famous English band The Beatles who in their song Lucy in the sky with diamonds ' allegedly described the hallucinations caused by LSD.
He also warned against less obvious forms drug abuse, presenting examples of well known athletes Ben Johnson and Lance Armstrong who were severely defamed due to use of such drugs. Dr. Prabhu also mentioned Micheal Jackson who succumbed to abuse of prescription drugs.
Regarding legalization of marijuana in some countries and easy availability of many other drugs he stated that “it will lead to problems larger than we can think of at the moment”.
Dr. P. V. Bhandary, director and consultant psychiatrist, A. V. Baliga Group of Institutions, Udupi speaking on the occasion warned that intelligence and will power has nothing to do with addiction.
Researches have shown that most people start the use of tobacco, alcohol and marijuana in their teenage and college years because of immaturity.
“If one does not get addicted to any drugs during teenage and college years, he will never get addicted except in cases of psychotic disorders,” he said.
The doctor described the temporary euphoric effects of different drugs including prescription drugs that are addictive in high doses. He later described the adverse psychological and physical effects of each.
He also cleared many misconceptions stating that alcohol is not a health drink and that marijuana has no anti depressant effects. He also opined that many cases of accidents, rapes and other criminal activities will reduce drastically with reduce in usage of drugs.
Dr. Bandary stated that a lot of the medical representatives have succumbed to drug abuse solely because narcotic analgesics and depressants - which are only medicinal in small doses- are easily available to them. He urged these medical representatives to have better control.
He warned that drug abuse will not only cause innumerable health problems, but it also will lead to family and marital problems. Stating that drug addiction is medically curable, he urged addicts to seek professional help.
The function ended with a prize distribution ceremony for a previously conducted poster competition on drug abuse. Ms.Marialla D 'souza delivered the vote of thanks.
Many doctors were present for the event including Dr. Keshava Pai, Dr. Ravish Thunga and Dr. Madhusudan Upadyay. Students of different medical colleges were also present.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is being celebrated since 1987 and this year the theme is “A message of hope: Drug abuse problems are preventable and curable,”
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