Say a Big No to drugs

I have a 17 year-old brother who has started behaving in a weird and different way since the past few weeks. He has become evasive and secretive. From a friend of his I found out that he has started taking drugs. He comes late at nights and doesn't talk to any one at home. He was a very good student earlier but now his studies have taken a backseat. His scores too have worsened. My parents and I are very worried and have also tried talking to him for several hours. I am afraid that he is already addicted to drugs and that will ruin his life. How could this happen. How can I stop him and help him out of this menace?  Please advise.

It's indeed a menace. Of course, drug addiction is a complex but treatable problem. It is characterized by compulsive drug craving, even in the face of severe adverse consequences. Teenagers tend to come under peer pressure and curiosity. The initial curiosity turns into a need and then into a habit.

Here is a cluster of physiological and behavioural changes in which the use of drugs takes on much higher priority for the individual than other responsibilities. A central descriptive characteristic is the desire, often strong. If the individual, does not take the drug, he experiences withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, rapid pulse, increased hand tremor, insomnia, anxiety, agitation, nausea or vomiting, etc. The efforts to cut down or control drug use are often unsuccessful and it causes compromise in social, occupational or recreational activities. For these reasons, it is better to seek professional help for treatment of drug addiction.

It includes counselling, cognitive and/or behaviour therapy, medication, or their combination. It begins with detoxification. A continuum of care that includes a customized regimen for your brother, addressing all aspects of his life will help. Don't lose hope and plan well. He will be well and turn responsible.