Poorva Chavan
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Written By: Poorva Chavan | Published : December 12, 2014 11:50 AM IST
Substance abuse can cause addiction to energy drinks: A study says that teenagers suffering from depression and substance abuse are more likely to be addicted to energy drinks. As energy drinks have similar effects to abusive substances, giving a temporary high, increased alertness, improved mood, enhanced physical and mental energy, teenagers are more likely to be addicted to them.
The narcotics market in the city of Mumbai is cashing on the new drug Mephedrone, Meow Meow as it is commonly known. A number of fresh cases have been reported against this drug. It was introduced in India last year and the sales were expected to sky rocket on the New Years Eve.
What is Mephedrone or Meow Meow? Mephedrone is a legal drug because it does not come under the purview of The Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act, 1985. A senior official from the anti-narcotics cell in Mumbai informed that since the drug is sold legally it does not entail any legal proceedings. He also informed that anti narcotics department has initiated a request to include the drug under the NDPS Act. If a PIL is filed against the matter by public representatives the proceeding would speed up.
Reactions of this drug-The drug is snorted or taken orally and does not have to be injected which make it more harmful. It is known to induce a light-eyed effect and heighten sexual drive among both men and women. If consumed in large quantities this drug encourages violent behaviour. It also has long lasting side effects like depression, paranaoia and chest pain. It also causes muscle clenching and trouble during urinating. (Read : Dealing with drug addiction)
Current statistics of the drug- The number of drug addicts in Mumbai addicted to meow meow has gone up by 80 % with one lakh Mumbaikars already consuming the drug and is expected to rise two to three times by the end of the year. The drug is very popular among children in the age group of 14 to 20 years. (Read: 5 ways to fight peer pressure and get on the road to good health)
How to curb the drug peril?
If the concerned authorities issue a ban against Mephedrone immediately with severe penalties, it will prevent a large number of youngsters from falling prey to this drug. Drug Abuse Information Rehabilitation and Research Centre (DAIRRC) has already initiated action. You may like to read about the famous people who beat drug addiction.
Image source: Getty Images
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