Child addicts

Addiction is a highly potent destructive force that ruins the vitality of youth. And when children become addicts, the danger is even greater.

Some other conclusions may also be drawn from the news. First, even the poor children have access to drugs sold at different points in the city. The supply lines of the drugs are very much open. Second, the law enforcers are either overlooking the drug trade or are prey to the unholy influence of the traders thriving on the miseries of youths and children.

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Many of the young drug addicts have a wrecked family or social background which prevented them from growing up normally. Such cases are an example of how the breaking down of family values is creating a new problem -- uncared for and deprived children. Most of these children did not have anybody to guide them through their formative years. A sense of deprivation coupled with the emptiness of a life devoid of promise pushed them towards the self-destructive habit.

Regrettably, the rehabilitation scheme that is in place does not yet cover any large number of addicts. The issue deserves immediate attention as it has a direct bearing on the lives of the addicts.

The menacing proliferation of drug abuse has to be addressed with a sense of urgency. The number of drug addicts, and those in the highly vulnerable group, must be ascertained and rehabilitation facilities installed to minimise the damage caused by the malady. It is a question of saving a whole generation of juveniles, not capable of disentangling themselves from the lethal habit on their own. They must feel cared for, in the first place, to come out of the suicidal stranglehold. Restoration of parental authority can do a world of good to them.