In a world where everyone is chasing an escape, be it from stress, boredom, loneliness, or pain, some escapes are far more dangerous than others. Among the most deceptive of these is drug use. What might start as a “recreational” experiment can quickly turn into a life-altering dependency. And in the tranquil islands of the Andamans, that danger is no longer a distant threat- it’s knocking on our doors every week.
In yet another routine press release from the Police Station at Pahargaon on Monday, officials reported a drug bust. It barely is a headline – because by now, it’s happening so often that many have grown numb to the news. From a few grams of marijuana on a street to large quantities of methamphetamine stashed by repeat offenders, these busts have become part of a worrying pattern. The suspects vary- teenagers, working professionals, even those in their 50s. The locations vary too- urban corners of Sri Vijaya Puram to remote villages in South and Middle Andaman. But the story remains the same: drugs are everywhere, and they’re tightening their grip.
We often see these news alerts, shake our heads, and move on. But this is not just a law-and-order problem. It’s a deep-rooted social and psychological crisis. And we need to talk about it, not tomorrow, not next month- now. Here is a look at the various narcotic substances are increasingly finding way to these remote islands, though one may feel that it is difficult to smuggle drugs here as there is no land connectivity- leaving sea and air as only two potential routes.
The Drugs Behind the Headlines
Let’s talk about the substances that are repeatedly seized in the islands: Methamphetamine (commonly called Meth), Marijuana, and LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide). Each of them affects the brain and body in ways that many users- especially the young- don’t fully understand.
Meth: The Illusion of Energy
Meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant. Many young users are drawn to it for the temporary high it gives, boosted energy, euphoria, and confidence. But what they don’t see is the long-term price.
Short-term use can cause rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and violent behavior. Users often go days without sleep or food, leading to mental and physical exhaustion.
Long-term use is even more frightening: severe tooth decay (commonly called “meth mouth”), memory loss, psychosis, and irreversible brain damage. The user’s appearance often deteriorates rapidly, with sunken cheeks, sores, and extreme weight loss.
Marijuana: Not As Harmless as It Sounds
There’s a growing myth that marijuana is “safe” or “natural.” While some forms of it have been studied for medical use under strict supervision, recreational use, especially among teenagers- can be dangerous.
Short-term effects include impaired thinking, anxiety, and poor motor coordination. This is why many accidents- on roads or otherwise, have involved users who were “just high.”
Long-term use, particularly when started at a young age, has been linked to poor academic performance, reduced IQ, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and addiction. Yes – marijuana can be addictive, especially with regular use.
LSD: Mind Bending Reality
LSD is a hallucinogen that alters the user’s perception of reality. It may start as a “trip” into fantasy, but it can end in psychological trauma.
Short-term effects include hallucinations, distorted sense of time, panic attacks, and paranoia. Some users experience terrifying “bad trips” that leave lasting emotional scars.
Long-term or frequent use can lead to persistent psychosis, flashbacks, and a condition called Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD), where users continue to see visual disturbances long after the drug is out of their system.The impact of drugs isn’t just physical. It reaches into a person’s relationships, ambitions, emotional well-being, and even their moral compass. Families are torn apart. Friendships collapse. Futures are derailed. And in a small, closely-knit community like the Andamans, this damage ripples far and wide.
We Can’t Wait for the Police Alone
It is not the job of the police alone to keep our islands drug-free. Their job starts after the problem has already begun. Ours must begin before that, with education, awareness, empathy, and vigilance.
Parents, teachers, friends, and even peers must be part of the solution. Schools need better counseling resources. The community needs open conversations about mental health. And most of all, our youth need to understand that no high is worth the crash that follows.
