I used to get afraid as a child whenever I saw anything about
drugs or drug addiction. I was terrified of drug addicts because of how they
behaved and how filthy they were. Things gradually became clearer as I read
more about them and saw them on television, and I was less afraid of
them...
As a child, I vividly recall how ecstasy and drug addiction were
presented in Hindi films. Even today, the shattering of an apple or the bite of
a scorpion on the tip of the tongue remains frightening. Later, when I began
walking to school with my companions, we noticed unclean men sitting on their
haunches, burning small pieces of paper and inhaling the smoke.
I afterward saw men inserting a syringe into a nerve in
their hand. "So much pain, and what are they getting in return?" I'd
think. All of this seemed weird for a mind as young as nine years old. When I
was on my way to tuition with my elder sister one day, I noticed someone on the
pavement engrossed in their bliss and summoned the confidence to ask my sister
about it. She was initially uninterested, but eventually responded,
"When we get home."
I couldn't persuade her any further. I was growing impatient
with my classes and couldn't concentrate. After an hour and a half, we arrived
home. I approached her and stood next to her, fidgeting with my outfit. My
sister emphasized to me that what they were doing was extremely dangerous and
that I was too little to comprehend or understand what was going on. She told
me not to talk to them, look at them, or take anything they offered.
Her voice rang in my head after our little conversation. I
recall her first sentence:
"They were using drugs."
The word "drugs" kept popping into my head. What
exactly was this drug? They felt like needles penetrating their skin.
What I didn't realize was how much fun they were having! I
finally understand what the joy was all about. It was a joy that was ruining
not only them but also their family, friends, and everybody who loved them. Today,
I understand how it must have started.
To begin with, they must have been in poor company—friends
who could not be trusted. They should not be trusted with their life.
Everyone's life has ups and downs. Whatever the situation, we must remain
strong; no weak thoughts should enter our brains, especially if our friends are
not good company. This devil may enter our life during a period of depression
or a conflict with a family member. It all starts with giving it a go.
"Try it out and see if you like it." It will transport you to the
sixth heaven."
It gradually gains control of your thoughts, and the worst
part is when it begins to bother you with physical discomfort. Drug addiction
has entered your life and will remain if you are not resolute and brave enough
to resist it. After all the pleasure it has provided you, the moment has
come to repay it. A small amount, of drugs no longer provides the same level of
pleasure as it once did. You must gradually raise your dose. If you're
lucky, you won't die from an overdose. Friends who used to give you these pills
for free are suddenly asking you twice as much for a modest amount. Your change
vanishes into thin air. You start stealing money from your house. To meet your
demands, you steal from the household. And this suffering never comes to
an end.
