According to World Health Organization (WHO), "a drug is any substance or product that is used or intended to be used to modify or explore physiological system or patho¬logical states for the benefit of the recipients".
Drug abuse is taking a drug for reasons other than medical, in any amount, strength, frequency or manner that damages the physical and mental functioning.
2. Types of Drugs
There are different types of drugs found in India.
1. Hallucinogens such as LSD, hashish, ganja and bhang. They are psychologically addictive and lead to insecurity and fear anxiety complexes.
2. Sedatives or depressants relax the central nervous system, induce sleep and provide a calming effect. Tranquilisers and barbiturates fall into this cat¬egory.
3. Stimulants activate the central nervous and relieve tension, treat mild depression, induce insomnia (keep a person awake), increase alertness, counter fatigue and expressive drowsiness, and lessen aggressive inhibitors. The most widely known stimulants are amphetamines (popularly known as 'pep-pills'), caffeine and cocaine.
4 Narcotics like sedatives, produce a depressant effect on the central nervous system. They produce feelings of pleasure, strength and superiority, » reduce,hunger, lessen inhibitions and increase sug-gestibility.
3. Government’s Policy and Action Again Drug Abuse
A large number of Ministries are concerned with problem of drug abuse such as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is concerned with Medical treatment of drug addicts; Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is re¬sponsible for propaganda against drug abuse through government media; Department of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports in the Ministry of Human Resource Develop¬ment are also engaged in tackling the problem of drug abuse.
Film shows are being arranged through official and non-official agencies. A large number of NGOs and Volun¬tary Organization are being financially assisted under the Central Sector Scheme