SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, May 14: Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University on Saturday organised a seminar on the topic ‘Substance Use and Abuse, Peer Pressure’, under the banner of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ series.
Keynote speaker on the occasion was Dr Anuradha Palta, an eminent psychologist, who talked about the types of abuse and the causes that an individual looks towards drug and substance abuse. She further explained ways to avoid falling into the cycle of abuse and still remain stress-free and happy.
While speaking of different types of abuse, the doctor elaborated on the different types of substances that are generally used in such cases including alcohol, amphetamines, caffeine and plant-based drugs. She further talked of the reasons which may make a person get into the habit of abuse.
“The different causes involve trying to express unhappiness through the act, environmental, family and mental factors, lack of parental warmth, physical and sexual abuse, peer pressure, and psychological causes among others. These affect a person’s mind and confidence. As a result, to build a façade of confidence around, people use substances,” she said.
Talking about the kinds of peer pressure the doctor said, “There are two types of peer pressure. One is negative while the other is positive. Positive peer pressure will help you become makes you mentally strong, confident and happy, while a negative one will keep you confused, push you to self-harm either physically or mentally and ultimately change you.”
She further encouraged the students to not look for peer approval and to do something with individuality. “Never lose yourself in your peers, maintain your individuality. Learn to say no to your peers if you believe they are not right and always have a support system that will guide you on the correct path,” she added. The doctor also invited students to visit her if they needed any kind of help.
While talking to this lagatar24.com correspondent, Dr Palta said, “As a doctor, I’ve seen mostly plant-based substance abuse here. Especially among the youth and adolescents, who either do it under peer pressure, to look cool and gain confidence or due to some other reason that I’ve previously mentioned.”
Furthermore, during an interactive discussion, she pointed out that even though schools are suggested to have counsellors, they might not have any. She further expressed doubt if colleges in the state even have counsellors or a system to help them deal with stress.
Meanwhile, she also suggested to the officials of the university present to work towards conducting such seminars to raise awareness levels against substance abuse and suggested the students to help out their friends if they know any that are facing such issues. She also requested all to not stigmatise the issue and make fun of those suffering from substance abuse, and instead have conversations about it positively to help people around them.
Professors of the ELL department, UDE and the university department of political science were present on the occasion along with students of different streams.
