(a) Drug Dependence: Persons who consume psychotropic drugs become fully dependent on them, they cannot live without drugs. This condition is referred to as Drug Dependence. The dependence maybe

• Physical and mental dependence: Dependence on the drug for normal condition of well being and to maintain physiological state.
• Psychological dependence is a feel that drugs help them to reduce stress.

(b) Behavioural Changes of Drug Users:

• Drop-in Academic performance, absence from school or college.
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene, isolation, depression, fatigue and aggressive behaviour.
• Deteriorating relationship with family and friends.
• Change in food and sleeping habits.
• Fluctuation in body weight and appetite.
• Always looking for an easy way to get money for obtaining drugs.
• Prone to infections like AIDS and Hepatitis – B.

(c) Drug De-addiction:

• Detoxification: The drug is stopped gradually and the addict is helped to overcome the withdrawal symptoms. The addict undergoes severe physical and emotional disturbance. This is taken care of by specific medication.
• Psychotherapy: Individual and group counselling is given by psychologists and counsellors. The treatment includes efforts to reduce the addict’s stress, taught new ways to solve everyday’s problems, adequate diet, rest and relaxation.
• Counselling to family members: Social workers counsel family members in order to change the attitude of rejection. So that the addict is accepted by the family and society.
• Rehabilitation: They are given proper vocational training so that they can lead a healthy life and become useful members of society.