Street children and substance abuse

Today children living and working on the streets are vulnerable to violence, exploitation and substance (inhalants) abuse. These children are coming under the influence of the substances like whitener which is named solution in the streets. Poverty, unemployment, family breakdown, child abuse and neglect are the main factors that cause minors to roam the streets. To cope with their above mentioned problems, some street children resort to substance abuse. Studies carried out indicate that inhalants top the list of drugs consumed. Children chew, swallow or sniff inhalants (whitener and other substances) to deal with the hunger, pain and violence they are exposed to on the streets. Inhalants (whitener) are preferred because they are cheap, their effect is long-lasting and its withdrawal symptoms are mild. Whitener is usually consumed in groups. Many youngsters also consume tobacco, cannabis and over-the-counter drugs. They are generally unaware of or indifferent to the numerous risks connected to substance abuse.

A substance in order to achieve alterations in psychological functioning has been termed as substance use. WHO estimates that globally, 25% to 90% of street children indulge in substance use? According to UNICEF, there are more than 5, 00,000 street children in India who live and work in inhuman conditions and are at high risk of substance use.

Using a substance can have many different consequences. Some of the consequences are insignificant and some are extremely serious. These substances have effects on the body of the user as well as consequences on the life of the user and the whole community. The consequences can be physical like accidents convulsions and coma, malnutrition damage to body parts eg. liver, lungs, nerves etc .cancer Death Psychological restriction of interests and lifestyle depression memory and concentration problems delirium (confusion and hallucinations) Psychosis (fixed false ideas; hallucinations; grossly abnormal behavior Social rejection by peers, family, employers exploitation and violence (including murder) by drug syndicate Inability to work and loss of income legal problems due to: Behavior under the influence of substances Crimes committed to obtain substances.

Abusing substances among the children had emerged as a big problem all over the world; this problem needs to be looked into, so that children can be stay away from this problem.