Ludhiana, June 27 Ill-effects of drugs, including alcohol, opium, heroin, morphine, cannabis, sedatives, cocaine, hallucinogens, tobacco, volatile solvents, etc, on mental and physical well-being have been mentioned How youths can save themselves from drugs by focusing on health and life goals is part of the chapter To make students aware about the ill-effects of narcotics and drug abuse, the Punjab School Education Board has added a chapter on the issue in environmental studies. Information regarding the problems caused due to the drug addiction and alcohol has been mentioned in the chapter meant for Class XI. Though there is no mention of any state-collected data, it is mentioned that the reports of drug addiction in the media show that it is a matter of serious concern. Bad company, failure, family problems, depression, trying drugs for fun are cited to be the reasons due to which youths take to drugs. It is also mentioned that pressure from parents to perform well academically may also incline youths to drugs. The ill-effects of drugs, including alcohol, opium, heroin, morphine, pethidine, cannabis, sedatives, cocaine, hallucinogens, tobacco, volatile solvents, etc, on body, mental and well-being have been mentioned separately, along with their criminal and legal consequences. In addition, there is a mention about how youths can safeguard themselves from drugs by focusing on health and life goals. They should seek counselling in case they feel any kind of depression or stress. There is also a mention about crimes and punishment under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Schoolteachers are of a view that teaching children about the issue is the need of the hour. They should be apprised of the effects of drugs academically and through other means such as plays, songs, and debates. “It is important to tell about how drugs and narcotics can wreck lives. The topic should be introduced in earlier classes as well as,” said Rohit, a schoolteacher.

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