Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

What Hyderabad Parents Need to Know

By Naveed Uddin Khan Uzair | Crime Today News

In the heart of Hyderabad, a silent crisis is creeping into the lives of many families—teenage drug abuse. Once perceived as a problem confined to metropolitan hubs or Western cultures, substance abuse among adolescents is becoming a growing concern in Telangana’s capital city. With changing lifestyles, peer pressure, and easy access to narcotics, the issue has reached schools, junior colleges, and even affluent neighborhoods.

📊 The Alarming Rise in Teenage Drug Use

According to data released by the Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau, there has been a 35% increase in the number of drug-related incidents involving minors in the past two years. From cannabis (ganja) and inhalants to more dangerous substances like LSD, MDMA (Ecstasy), and prescription drugs such as codeine-based syrups—teenagers are experimenting with a wide range of substances, sometimes without fully understanding the consequences.

In 2023 alone, Hyderabad police conducted several raids near educational institutions and arrested multiple peddlers who confessed to targeting school and college students through social media apps like Instagram, Telegram, and WhatsApp.

💬 How Do Teenagers Get Access?

Drug dealers are becoming more sophisticated, often posing as fellow students or using online identities to communicate with minors. Many transactions are arranged digitally and delivered discreetly via food delivery apps or two-wheeler riders who remain unaware of the contents of their packages.

Common sources of access include:

Online messaging platforms
School or college contacts
Street-level peddlers near hostels or coaching centers
Social gatherings or rave parties

⚠️ Warning Signs for Parents to Watch For

Parents often miss the early signs of drug abuse, dismissing them as “teenage mood swings.” However, experts suggest keeping an eye out for the following behavioral changes:

Sudden drop in academic performance
Social withdrawal and secretive behavior
Change in friend circle
Bloodshot eyes, frequent nosebleeds, or unexplained injuries
Increased need for money or unexplained possessions
Irregular sleeping patterns or appetite changes
Mood swings, depression, or anxiety

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Parental Role: Prevention Starts at Home

Open Communication:
Encourage open and honest conversations about the dangers of drug use. Let your child know they can speak to you without fear of punishment.
Monitor Online Activity:
While respecting their privacy, parents should remain aware of who their teens are interacting with online.
Know Their Friends:
Engage with your child’s social circle and build relationships with their friends’ parents.
Set Boundaries and Rules:
Clear expectations and consequences help teens feel secure and understood.
Encourage Extracurriculars:
Teens engaged in sports, music, or community service are less likely to turn to drugs out of boredom or peer pressure.

🛡️ What Schools and Society Can Do

Many experts argue that drug awareness must be integrated into the education system. Schools in Hyderabad are now being encouraged to:

Conduct regular awareness sessions with police or NGOs
Implement anonymous helpline numbers for students
Conduct periodic drug testing in hostels
Train staff to identify behavioral changes among students

NGOs like HELP Hyderabad and Phoenix Foundation are also working closely with families and schools to provide counselling and rehabilitation support.

🏥 What If Your Child is Already Using Drugs?

If you suspect or confirm that your teen is using drugs, the first step is to stay calm. Confronting them with anger may cause them to withdraw further. Instead:

Seek Professional Help: Contact a certified addiction counselor or psychologist.
Medical Intervention: In cases of dependency, rehabilitation may be necessary.
Family Therapy: Involving the whole family can help identify underlying issues and promote healing.

In Hyderabad, institutions like Asha De Addiction Centre, Turning Point Foundation, and Amritha Foundation provide affordable, youth-friendly rehab options.

🧠 Understanding the Why Behind Drug Use

It’s crucial to understand why teens use drugs in the first place. Experts identify several triggers:

Curiosity
Peer pressure
Escapism due to stress, family issues, or bullying
A desire for acceptance or to seem “cool”
Lack of awareness about risks

Addressing these root causes through communication, therapy, and education is far more effective than punishment.

🚨 Government and Police Initiatives

The Telangana Government has launched several initiatives to combat teenage drug abuse, including:

Narcotics Control Cell (with dedicated WhatsApp numbers for anonymous tip-offs)
School Awareness Campaigns in collaboration with the Hyderabad Police
Drug-Free Hyderabad Pledge Programs, where students take a public stand against drugs
Hotline Numbers: 8712667773 (Hyderabad Narcotics Bureau)

Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity around schools, parks, or residential areas without fear of retribution.

📊 Recent Incidents Highlighting the Crisis

April 2025: A 17-year-old intermediate student from Balapur died after injecting a concoction containing CP-DOL 100, a potent painkiller. Two of his friends, who also consumed the drug, were hospitalized. Police arrested two individuals, including a medical shop owner, for supplying the drug without a prescription.
December 2024: During New Year celebrations, Hyderabad police conducted surprise raids in pubs and resorts, leading to the arrest of five individuals involved in drug dealings. The operation aimed to ensure a drug-free environment during the festivities.
2024: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) uncovered 573 cases of drug-related violations, a significant increase from 56 cases in 2023. These included illegal sales, spurious drugs, and unlicensed medical practitioners distributing habit-forming substances.

🏫 Community and Government Initiatives

Awareness Programs: The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) and Hyderabad police have organized drug abuse awareness programs to educate the public about the consequences of drug use.
School and College Interventions: Surprise raids and the establishment of Anti-Drug Committees in educational institutions aim to curb drug abuse among students.
De-addiction Centers: The government has set up de-addiction centers in 26 hospitals across the state, providing support and rehabilitation for those struggling with addiction.

Drug Abuse Among Teenagers

✅ Final Words: It Takes a Village

Combating teenage drug abuse in Hyderabad isn’t just the responsibility of parents or police. It’s a collective duty. The earlier we address this growing issue, the better our chances of saving young lives before it’s too late.

Let’s talk. Let’s support. Let’s stay informed.