Mysore/Mysuru: District Disabled Welfare Officer R. Malini has called upon the students and youths not to spoil their life by getting addicted to vices such as alcohol, smoking and drug abuse.

She was speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking organised jointly by JSS Mahavidyapeetha and JSS Counselling Centre at JSS College of Arts, Science and Commerce on Ooty road here recently.

Expressing concern that an increasing number of youths, especially students are getting addicted to smoking, drug abuse, alcoholism  and such other vices, Malini said that it is a serious matter that youths are going out of the way.

Highlighting the ill-effects of becoming addicts and the social impact of addiction, Malini said that addiction will not only bring a bad name to the family, but as well as in local community.

Pointing out that counselling and de-addiction centres have been established at JSS and St. Mary’s, she advised the youths to lead a life based on the guidance provided by family elders, parents and teachers.

Regretting that drug abuse is on the rise, she said that teenage  is a very important and critical phase of life and as such the youths should be very cautious while making friends. Malini further said that it is difficult to come out of addiction once the youth becomes victim of vices.

District Women and Child Welfare Department Deputy Director B. Basavaraj, College CEO Prof. B.V. Sambashivaiah, Principal Prof. M.P. Vijayendra Kumar, faculty M.S. Sushmitha and Dr. Kumudini, Don Bosco’s Immanuel, Dr. B. Sushmitha and others were present.