How drugs destroy a life, a family and a nation

Dr Daisy Parihar
He was once the pride of his family. A bright young boy with dreams in his eyes, a heart full of ambition, and a future that looked promising. His mother would wake up every morning, praying for his success. His father worked tirelessly, ensuring he had the best education. His siblings looked up to him with admiration. Teachers praised him, and neighbors envied his parents for raising such a wonderful child. But then, one wrong step changed everything.
It started with curiosity, then peer pressure. “Just once,” they said, “it won’t harm you.” He hesitated, but eventually, he gave in. That one time led to another, and then another. Before he knew it, his body craved the poison that was running through his veins. He didn’t realize when he became a slave to it. The once-promising boy, full of life and aspirations, slowly started fading.
The Slow Death of a Family’s Happiness
At first, it wasn’t noticeable. He was still coming home, still talking, still pretending everything was fine. But soon, the changes became evident. He stopped eating with his family. He locked himself in his room. His eyes, once filled with dreams, became red and lifeless. His mother noticed the change in his behavior-he was always irritated, always lost in his thoughts. She asked him, “Beta, are you okay?” He avoided eye contact, nodded, and left the room.
Then, the lies started.
Money began disappearing from the house. First, small amounts. Then, his father’s wallet. His mother’s jewelry. Even his younger sister’s savings. When questioned, he had excuses- “I needed it for college,” “I lent it to a friend,” “I don’t know who took it.” The family wanted to trust him, but deep down, they feared the worst.
His father, once so proud, now walked with shame. His mother, once full of life, had sunken eyes from sleepless nights. His younger sister, who once adored him, now feared him. Their home was no longer filled with laughter but with tension, tears, and helplessness.
The Never-Ending Trap of Addiction
The biggest lie about drugs is that one can quit anytime. But the truth is, it tightens its grip so hard that escape seems impossible. The withdrawal is unbearable-the body aches, the mind screams, and the soul begs for just one more dose to ease the pain.
He tried quitting. He really did. But the addiction was stronger than his willpower. The moment his body started trembling, his brain begged for relief, and he found himself back in the same dark alley, buying the same poison that was killing him.
Respect? Gone.
Dreams? Shattered.
Love? Replaced with fear.
Society started looking at him as nothing more than an addict. People whispered behind his back. His friends abandoned him. His own relatives started keeping their children away from him. His mother still prayed for him, but even she couldn’t ignore the harsh reality-her son was slipping away.
Why Is It Spreading Like Wildfire?
If drugs are so destructive, why are they spreading like wildfire? Why are so many young people falling into this trap? The answer is both heartbreaking and terrifying.
Easy Availability
Drugs are no longer confined to shady corners of the city. They are in schools, colleges, parties, and even online. Drug dealers have made them as easy to buy as candy. And the worst part? Many times, the first dose is given for free. “Try it once,” they say, “You’ll feel amazing.” That first free taste is the hook-and once someone is trapped, there is no escape.
Peer Pressure and Fake Glamour
Teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable. They want to fit in, to be ‘cool,’ to be accepted. Movies, music, and social media often glorify drug use, making it seem like a symbol of rebellion or luxury. Celebrities flaunt their ‘wild lifestyles,’ unknowingly (or knowingly) influencing millions to follow the same path.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Many young people turn to drugs as an escape. The pressure of studies, careers, relationships, and societal expectations becomes too much. Instead of seeking help, they seek relief in intoxication. And soon, what started as an escape becomes a prison.
Lack of Awareness and Parental Supervision
Many parents don’t talk to their children about drugs. They assume, “Not my child,” until it’s too late. Schools don’t always educate students about the real horrors of addiction. The result? A generation walking blindly into the fire.
Corrupt Networks and Weak Law Enforcement
Drug mafias don’t care about lives; they care about money. They smuggle drugs across borders, distribute them in cities, and bribe officials to look the other way. Despite strict laws, enforcement remains weak. Until the system itself strengthens, the fight against drugs will remain an uphill battle.
What Can Be Done?
We cannot afford to lose our youth to this silent killer. It’s time to take action.
Awareness from an Early Age
Children need to be educated about drugs before they even encounter them. Schools, parents, and communities must work together to make sure no child falls into this trap.
Strict Punishment for Drug Dealers
Those who profit from the destruction of lives should face severe consequences. No mercy for those who sell poison to our youth.
Better Rehabilitation Centers
Addicts need help, not just punishment. More rehabilitation centers should be established, providing proper treatment, counseling, and vocational training to help people rebuild their lives.
Strengthening Families
A strong family bond is the biggest shield against addiction. Parents must talk to their children, listen to their problems, and create an environment where they don’t feel the need to escape reality.
Society’s Role
Instead of shaming addicts, society must help them recover. Judgment only pushes them deeper into addiction. Love, support, and guidance can bring them back.
A Plea to the Youth
To every young person reading this-if you ever find yourself at that crossroad where someone offers you a moment of ‘fun’ at the cost of your life-walk away.
That ‘one time’ can steal everything from you. Your dreams, your health, your family’s happiness. Drugs are not an escape; they are a trap. A trap that doesn’t let go.
To every parent-talk to your children before someone else does. Teach them the value of life before a dealer convinces them otherwise.
To every addict-you are not alone. No matter how deep you have fallen, there is still a way out. Seek help. Hold on to hope. You deserve a second chance.
Because one life lost to drugs is not just a loss for a family-it is a wound in the heart of the nation.
Let’s not let another home turn into a house of sorrow. Let’s fight this menace, together
The flames of youth, so bright, so high,
Burn dim when trapped in a devil’s lie.
A single moment, a fleeting choice,
Drowns dreams, silences a mother’s voice.
Oh, wake before the night turns cold,
Before love is lost, before hands let go.
Rise, rebuild, break free, stand tall,
For life still waits beyond the fall.