Measures for rehabilitating drug abusers and alcoholics: A study conducted in Haldwani, Uttarakhand

In the fast changing scenario of the world, youths especially students of the youthful age   are considered   to be future assets of the family and the nation at large. These youngsters can contribute a lot for the welfare and the advancement of the family or nation in a truly global sense only if their energies and potentialities are channelized in the most appropriate and desired  manner. On the contrary, if they indulge in undesirable activities like drug abuse and alcoholism, which have become the most prevalent social evil in the present times, they can never utilize their potential and energies for self growth, family welfare as well as welfare and development of the nation. The prevalence of an alarming growth rate of drug abuse and alcoholism warrants us to take preventive steps for proper utilization of human resources. Alcoholism has a higher prevalence among men, though in recent decades, the proportion of female alcoholics has increased. Current evidence indicates that in both men and women, alcoholism is 50–60 percent genetically determined, leaving 40–50 percent for environmental influences. Most alcoholics develop alcoholism during adolescence or young adulthood. The various health problems associated with long-term alcohol consumption are generally perceived as detrimental to society, for example, money due to lost labour-hours, medical costs, and secondary treatment costs. Alcohol use is a major contributing factor for head injuries, motor vehicle accidents, violence, and assaults. Beyond money, there are also significant social costs to both the alcoholic and their family and friends. For instance, alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman can lead to foetal alcohol syndrome, incurable and damaging condition.   Key words: Drug abusers, alcoholism, Haldwani, Uttarakhand.