Identifying Substance Abuse Made Easier

Substance abuse often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. By the time family members realize, the addict has usually developed a serious dependency, making treatment extremely difficult. This was highlighted by Dr. P.C. Jain, involved in the drug de-addiction campaign, during an awareness session for students at the Women’s Polytechnic College in Pratapnagar.

Early Signs of Addiction

Dr. Jain explained that recognizing substance abuse is now easier:

• Tobacco and Gutka: Can be identified by reduced mouth opening, frequent mouth ulcers, and confirmed via a urine cotinine test.

• Alcohol: Detectable through a breath analyzer or blood test.

• Cannabis (Marijuana): Smell in the bathroom after use, changes in behavior and lifestyle, and THC urine tests can indicate consumption.

• Opiates (Opium, Brown Sugar, Cough Syrup, etc.): Symptoms include missing items or money at home, repeated yawning, watery nose or mouth, severe calf pain, and can be confirmed via a urine OPI test.

Awareness and Practical Demonstration

The session was organized by Inner Wheel Club Udaipur City, the only social organization in Udaipur that has conducted five drug de-addiction awareness programs so far. Club President Chandrakala Kothari and Secretary Babita Jain also shared their insights and demonstrated practical ways for students to protect themselves.

Students performed a short play titled “Tobacco Pouches, Children’s Conflicts” to illustrate the dangers of addiction.

Principal Khursheeda Bano thanked the Inner Wheel Club team and Dr. P.C. Jain for their presentation and emphasized the importance of continuing such programs to raise awareness among students.

Teachers Monika Bhanawat, Alka Hada, Kavita Mathur, and Sangita were present, and the program was conducted by Mr. Rishabh Chauhan.