Punjab: Drug addiction is a serious problem in the region of Punjab. It is estimated that every four out of 10 men are addicted to drugs. The nexus of drugs, specifically heroin, is wide-spread in the state of Punjab in such a way that children, as young as 12 years of age are involved in drug trade.
Other than youngsters, now families are also getting hooked to heroin consumption, which in turn is leading to serious consequences.
A young businessman got the shock after realising that he was not only the person who was addicted to heroin but his sister and wife too got involved in his habit.
It started from the day when the young businessmen kept his heroin at home, and he was completely unaware that his wife and sister were consuming it in his absence.
According to experts, this is not the first instance of consuming drugs that has come into light. There are several cases where the drugs trickle to more than one member of the family.
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The effect of heroin addiction on two women led to domestic violence in their houses on a regular basis.
"I never thought my habit would destroy my family to this extent. I now want to get rid of the habit for the sake of my loved ones," he told TOI on condition of his ambiguity.
According to Arvind Sharma, a Professor and head of the department of Psychiatry and Drugs at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, said that over the years there are many such cases where young boys and girls are becoming aficionado of heroin.
"We are conducting a study in association with Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) on epidemiology of substance abuse in Punjab," he said.
Saying that the study is expected to be completed by in the end of this year he said, “We have come across many cases where men and their wives becoming addicts. This problem has gripped the entire state.”
Dr Ajay Pal Sandhu who is a consultant psychiatrist at Fortis in Ludhiana, said that they treat around 2,000 addicts in which for every 100 cases there are such cases where husband and wife are being treated together.
