TOPIC CHANGED!!ARE THE RICH KIDS, SPOILT?

With Rahul Mahajan in hospital, drug abuse is back in the news. Is high society more prone to its temptations? And when does drug abuse have fatal consequences? BT investigates...

NICOLE DASTUR Times News Network

With Rahul Mahajan in hospital and a suspicious white powder found in his home, alleged to be cocaine, drugs are in focus. They are lethal and illegal. Yet time and again, it is the rich and the famous who seem to fall prey to them, whether on the party circuit or at private functions. Why this at-times fatal attraction?

Too much of a good thing:

The rich and the famous seem to have it all, the luxuries, the wealth, the fame. But as psychologist Swati Salunkhe says, "Because they have all the materialistic pleasures, there is a certain vacuum in their lives. They need something more to excite them, and drugs are the easy answer." She adds that the children belonging to rich families often get into wrong social circles. "The free-flowing wealth, accompanied by peer pressure, often leads them into the drug trap."

A society that wants instant gratification:

According to sociologist Kamala Ganesh, we're living in an era of instant gratification. "Today's affluent youth want an instant high, which drugs provide. They are more hedonistic, and have less selfrestraint."

Drugs as antidepressants:

Anaesthetist Sachin Rathore says that many youngsters get into drugs to escape from reality. "Drugs provide a false sense of being in control and a temporary state of euphoria. The initial kick that drugs give covers the pain/ depression of the abuser."

When can a high turn fatal?

According to neurosurgeon Keki Turel, substance abuse could turn fatal in two cases: when an abuser overshoots his capacity or when these substances are mixed with medication, alcohol or other drugs. "Everybody has a capacity for drug intake. But when they go beyond the tolerance level of their bodies, it could prove fatal," says Dr Turel. "A more common deadly practice is mixing these substances with sleeping tablets, anti-depressants, other medication, or alcohol," states Turel. The mix of chemicals has a direct effect on the body's autonomic system, that controls reflex actions, blood pressure and heart rate. If not controlled in time, it could also make the person brain dead," states Dr Turel.

What does the law say?

Lawyer Majid Memon says, "According to The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, if one is caught with even a gram of drugs for personal consumption, the punishment varies from imprisonment of six months to a year, or a substantial fine, depending on the situation. However, the law is more stringent if one is caught in large possession of drugs (either in one's bloodstream, on one's person or in one's premises) or selling or marketing the same. He could be imprisoned for 10 years or more or would have to pay a very heavy fine." Lawyer Satish Maneshinde adds that if one is caught with commercial use of lifestyle drugs a second time, he is liable to 20 years imprisonment or even a death sentence.

Doing drugs behind closed doors:

Party-goer Prahlad Kakar, who refers to lifestyle drugs as "rich man's dope" says that substance abuse is on the rise. "Youngsters are now doing drugs behind closed doors, in the privacy of their own homes or at private parties. How can one keep a check on that?" says party regular Ash Chandler.

Double standards of society:

Arup Patnaik, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) says that the police are aware of substance abuse at high-flying parties, but when they raid these parties, they are termed 'party poopers'. "It's a society of double standards. Unless there are official complaints lodged, even if they are anonymous, on what basis can we arrest the abusers?"

Is there a long-term solution?

Awareness needed: Sociologist Kamala Ganesh feels that there is not enough knowledge available about lifestyle drugs. "There's plenty of awareness on the dangers of smoking, but much more needs to be done in the case of substance abuse. By terming it illegal, it is just making the youth more curious to try it out. It's more a social problem than a criminal offence."

Common drugs doing the rounds on the Mumbai party circuit



Cocaine:

Commonly referred to as namak, coke, C, flake or blow, cocaine can be snorted, injected or put in alcohol. It costs between Rs 2,000-3,000 per gram. Effect: After the initial 'high', there is a period of depression. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety and paranoia.

Heroin:

Also called dope, smack and black tar. It is highly addictive. Effect: Acts on the brain receptors and spinal cord. Heroin can also cause impotency. Withdrawal symptoms include extreme pain.

Marijuana:

Commonly known as ganja, pot, weed and grass. Effect: Can produce adverse physical, mental, emotional and behavioural changes. The use of marijuana can impair short-term memory, verbal skills and judgment.

Acid:

LSD trips have different names like Pink Sunshine of California, Internet Explorer, Queen's Necklace and Diamonds in the Sky. Effect: Physical effects include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Ecstasy:

Also known as Igloo or Euro 2000, it costs Rs 800 a tablet. Effect: Its usage causes a general sense of openness and well-being. Often, tactile sensations are enhanced, making general physical contact with others pleasurable.

May 5, 2001: Fardeen Khan was caught in possession of cocaine. He was released on bail.

October 20, 2003: Hotelier Farhan Azmi and his friends were arrested in Dubai after being found with an undisclosed amount of narcotics. After a 40-day detention, Farhan was released.

February 13, 2005: Aftab Shivdasani
was caught allegedly doing drugs at a Pune night club.