Beware! Flavoured Condoms Causing Substance Abuse Addiction Among Youth To Get High
New Delhi: Flavoured condoms, apart from doing what they do best have now found a place with the youngsters, who have now found ways to get a high. According to news reports, flavored condoms have become a rage with the youth looking to get high in West Bengal and those addicted to substance abuse are making the most of it. This unlikely addiction to condoms, lubricated with flavours like chocolate, strawberry, banana, apple, pina colada, etc are easily available and anyone can buy them from convenience stores and pharmacists. However, in Durgapur, students are not using them as contraceptives, but soaking the condoms in hot water and drinking the resultant liquid chemical concoction, which intoxicates them for at least 10-12 hours, a media portal reported. "Earlier, three to four packets of condoms were sold daily. And now packs of condoms are disappearing from the stores," a shopkeeper of a medical store told News 18. How do flavoured condoms intoxicate?According to experts, to increase the durability and the stretchability of the condom, a synthetic resin polyurethane, an aromatic compound is used which is known to cause an intoxicating effect. Polyurethane is a plastic substance used in everyday materials like building insulation, car parts, and adhesives. When put in hot water, large organic molecules break down into alcoholic compounds, which are super addictive. It is believed that ethylene glycol, a kind of alcohol, is produced when the polyurethane breaks down after boiling flavoured condoms in water and keeping them aside for six to eight hours. Experts believe these compounds are life-threatening and despite having small quantities of sedatives can mess you up in the long run. What are the side effects of substance abuse? According to studies1, youngsters who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of physical and psychological problems, including academic difficulties, poor mental health, poor peer relationships, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Health experts say even though drug abuse at any age can cause serious health effects, but teenagers are at particular risk for negative consequences. Teens who abuse drugs are more likely to struggle with addiction later in life and have permanent and irreversible brain damage. A few other common negative effects are: Emotional issues: Drug abuse causes emotional problems like anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia. Behavioral problems: Teens who abuse drugs have an increased risk of social problems, depression, suicidal thoughts, and violence. Addiction and dependence: Studies prove that the younger a person is when they begin using drugs the more likely they are to develop a substance abuse problem and relapse later in life. Learning problems: Drug abuse damages memory Diseases: Drug abuse increases the risk of blood-borne diseases like HIV, AIDS, and Hepatitis B and C. Brain damage: Drug abuse results in serious mental disorders or permanent, irreversible damage to the brain or nervous system Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 10:34 am