The Inner and Outer Demons of Addiction: A Case Study by Monisha Lalam.

The Inner and Outer Demons of Addiction: A Case Study by Monisha Lalam. 

Drug addiction is one of the major social problems affecting today’s youth. It not only affects the individual but also the family, society, and the country. Many students and young adults are becoming addicted due to stress, peer pressure, and lack of awareness. This case study explains the causes, effects, prevention, and solutions to reduce drug addiction in society.

A Case Description: Ravi's Downward Spiral: A Wake-Up Call.

Meet Ravi, a 19-year-old college student, was a bright student in school. After joining college, he started feeling stress due to studies and personal problems. His friends introduced him to drugs, saying it would reduce stress and make him feel relaxed. Slowly, he became addicted and started spending more money and time on drugs. His academic performance decreased, and he stopped talking with his family. His health also started deteriorating.

His parents later noticed behavioural changes like anger, isolation, and poor health. With the help of counselling and rehabilitation, Ravi slowly recovered from addiction.

This case shows how internal and external factors influence a person and how society and family support can help in recovery.

The Inner Demons:  Internal Factors influencing the person:

Internal factors are personal or psychological factors that lead to drug addiction which includes

Stress and depression

Anxiety and emotional problems

Lack of self-confidence

Curiosity and experimentation

Poor decision-making ability

Loneliness

Low self-esteem

These factors make a person mentally weak and more likely to fall into addiction.

Outside Forces: The Push from the World Around Us. External Factors influencing the person.

External factors are environmental and social influences, they includes

Peer pressure from friends

Easy availability of drugs.

Family problems

Lack of parental supervision

Media and social media influence

Academic pressure

Unemployment and frustration

Bad social environment

These factors push a person towards drug use and addiction.

The Ripple Effect: How Addiction Destroys Everything:

Drug addiction affects many areas of life which includes

Health Effects

Weight loss

Weakness

Mental disorders

Sleep problems

Heart and brain damage

Social Effects

Family problems

Financial problems

Crime and violence

Loss of education and career

Social isolation.

Fighting Back: Practical Steps to Slash Addiction Rates:

How to Reduce This Problem?

This problem can be reduced by the combined efforts of individuals, families, society, and government.

Steps to reduce drug addiction:

Awareness programs in schools and colleges,Counselling and mental health support , Encouraging sports and physical activities ,Family support and communication ,Strict laws against drug selling, Rehabilitation centres for addicts,Life skill education for students.

Smart Precautions: Stop It Before It Starts:

Precautions include:

Choose friends carefully, Avoid unknown substances, Parents should monitor children’s behaviour,   Maintain good communication in family, Practice stress management techniques, Participate in extracurricular activities.

Seek help if feeling stressed or depressed.

Society's Big Role: We're All in This Together:

Society plays an important role in solving this issue.

Society should:

                                                                 Conduct awareness campaigns

Support rehabilitation programs

Encourage education and employment

Create a healthy social environment

Report illegal drug activities

Promote mental health awareness.

Let's Build a Brighter Future:

Drug addiction is a serious social problem that affects individuals, families, and society. Both internal factors like stress and external factors like peer pressure contribute to addiction. However, through awareness, education, counselling, family support, and strict laws, this problem can be reduced. Society must work together to create a healthy and safe environment for future generations.

   

 

      Written inspired by Monisha Lalam, 

    BPT 1st Year (2025-2026), RRCPTRI