By: Syed Irshad Nabi
TWA
_________
The youth of today stand at a critical crossroad. Whilst science, technology and digital platforms have revolutionalised our lives, a dangerous trend is silently taking root – the rising addiction to drugs, alcohol and uncontrolled use of social media.
Historically, the use of drugs dates back centuries. In ancient China, opium was widely used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. By the 1960s, during the Hippies movement, the misuse of LSD, marijuana and other hallucinogens became widespread in the West. With time, newer more dangerous substances like heroin, crystal meth, synthetic drugs and even marijuana in potent forms (weed) emerged, targeting the younger generations.
These substances along with digital social media addiction are not just distractions, they destroy physical and mental health, drain energy, cause anxiety and depression, ruin families, promote violence and lead to social isolation. Above all, they snatch away the purpose, the discipline and potential of bright youth. Social media, though useful, has turned into a silent drug – killing time, relationships and creativity. Excessive screen time, misinformation, digital bullying, and comparison culture are all contributing to a deeply disturbed mindset. To fight this alarming menace, we need collective action. Families must engage with their children, schools must raise awareness and the government must employ strict laws. Above all, the youth must be guided with vision, purpose and positive activities. Pakistan Youth League Volunteers Forum under the leadership of Mr Abid Hussain, chairman, and Ma’am Iffat Rauf are actively playing their role in this fight. Through their awareness seminars, youth debates, writing competitions, counselling sessions and positive engagement programmes, they are striving to build a generation free of addiction and full of potential. In this respect, we urge all organisations, educators, parents and especially the youth themselves to become part of this movement. Let’s reclaim our lives, values and our future.
Say no to drugs. Say yes to purpose, positivity and progress.
Author Name
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Syed Irshad Nabi
