More women in the Chennai city are taking to substance abuse, say de-addiction experts.
Specialists at TTK Hospital, which specialises in the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts, say women from middle class now form a considerable part of their patient list.
Ms. Sheeba Williams, Counsellor, TTK Hospital said, "We receive women patients from all walks of life. Till recently, no woman walked into our clinic for treatment. We have seen seven or / 8 women in the past one year. Besides alcohol & tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, sleeping pills & painkillers form the chunk of substances that these women get addicted to. They are mostly procured through their male friends, peddlers or / a "friendly" chemist."
According to a report by the United Nations International Drug Control programme (UNDCP), cultural & social transitions along with lifestyle changes are the major causative factors behind this trend. It goes on to say that women are likely to suffer worse consequences than men as a result of drug abuse.
While addicts admit it is difficult to wean themselves away from drugs, women say the initiation is often gentle.
"I started going for parties in Mamallapuram & Puducherry and slowly got introduced to some drugs. Soon, ecstasy and cocaine became part of my lifestyle" says a woman who underwent rehabilitation at TTK Hospital, Chennai.
Many experts say the trend of more and more chennai women reporting at de-addiction centres is a good sign. "In big cities like Chennai, women muster courage to visit psychiatrists or de-addiction centers, but in smaller places there is a stigma attached to a woman who takes such assistance.
Dr. Tara Srinivasan, Psychiatrist and Director, Schizophrenia Research Foundation, said, ''Drug addiction leads to absenteeism from work and neglect of the family. When women get hooked to drugs the impact on the family can be devastating."
Ms. Sheeba Williams, also said,''They cite various reasons such as poor health, stress, loneliness, marital discord, and work problems but these are excuses. Addiction is a disease which does not provide a solution to any existing problem. Instead it leads to physiological and psychological disorders," says Williams
Src; Manish Raj, TOI
