With each passing year, Bangaloreans from all walks of life risk turning into addicts with the changing landscape of the society If figures are to be believed, substance abuse is slowly gaining ground in the city. So far this year, 2,800 patients have walked into NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences) seeking help to fight their inner demons, 65 per cent of whom are alcohol abusers, 20 per cent consume opiates and indulge in injections and the remaining 15 per cent use petroleum solvents, thinners and glue. <img alt="" src="/imagedata/2010/sep/drug.jpg" border="5" /> Twenty per cent of addicts consume opiates and indulge in injections Psychiatrist Vivek Benegal, an expert in de-addiction at NIMHANS, said, "Legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco are the biggest culprits and they are used to a hazardous point. Even during the recession, alcohol sales stayed stable." He added, "And there has been an increase in our patients in the last few years and we expect the numbers to go up, because everywhere you go someone is always serving alcohol. The city has changed in this regard in the last few years." Varied backgrounds Another de-addiction expert Dr Manjunath, said, "Of the 2,800 patients, 60 per cent are auto drivers who come from broken families and poor backgrounds. The others come from a more comfortable background. We get software engineers, students, and even doctors though they are mostly orthopedic surgeons who have easy access to drugs." Manjunath added, "Our patients are primarily men, we see about four to five females a month and we treat them with both medicines and counseling." In 2009, 2,300 cases of substance abusers were treated at NIMAHNS. This year is expected to see a 20 per cent increase. Dr Benegal added, "Substance abuse really is a pediatric problem. Children with an attention deficit problem are at a higher risk. u00a0 It's also a combination of environment and genetics. Ironically, these kids are often much smarter than their peers. They can think out of the box." He added, "With every passing year, a teen who consumes alcohol on a regular basis faces the chance of becoming an alcoholic at a later point. And this risk, increases by 80 per cent with each passing year." 6 Number of reported internet addiction cases every year 12 Number of reported sex addiction cases every year 10 Number of reported gambling addiction cases every year

With each passing year, Bangaloreans from all walks of life risk turning into addicts with the changing landscape of the society

City sees a rise in drug abuse

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City sees a rise in drug abuse

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