Hello, dear parents,
Today, I want to have a heart-to-heart conversation with you about something that keeps many of us awake at night, drug addiction among our teens and youth. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Sameer Wankhede, a distinguished IPS officer and law enforcement expert who has been at the forefront of fighting narcotics and drug-related crimes in India. With nearly two decades of service, Mr. Wankhede has conducted countless raids, busted drug networks, and witnessed firsthand how addiction destroys young lives. His integrity, discipline, and unwavering courage in public service have earned him national recognition, and what he shared with me left me both alarmed and enlightened.
As a child psychologist and parenting expert, I’ve seen too many families shattered by addiction. But here’s what I’ve learned: knowledge is our first line of defense. So let me share what Mr. Wankhede revealed about the harsh realities of drug addiction and its consequences for our students and youth.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog is based on my interview with Mr. Sameer Wankhede and reflects his professional insights and experiences. For complete legal accuracy, specific case guidance, or updated legal provisions, please consult official legal authorities, law enforcement agencies, or legal professionals in your jurisdiction.
The Shocking Truth About How Students Get Trapped
Let me be straight with you – drug peddlers are deliberately targeting our children in schools and colleges. It’s not random. It’s calculated.
Mr. Wankhede explained something that made my blood run cold: manufacturers specifically target educational institutions because they know our teens are vulnerable. They understand that college students and even secondary school students can be easily influenced during these formative years.
Here’s how the trap works: First, they offer drugs like charas, ganja, hydroponic weed, gummies, or MDMA – often for free or very cheap. Once your child becomes addicted, they need money to sustain the habit. When they can’t get enough pocket money from us, they become peddlers themselves. In exchange for selling drugs, they get their own supply.
Can you imagine? Our students, who should be thinking about their studies and dreams, become trapped in a vicious cycle of drug peddling and crime.
Five Warning Signs You Cannot Ignore
As a mother myself, I know we’re juggling a million things. But please, pause and watch for these signs. Mr. Wankhede shared five critical red flags that every parent should recognize:
1. Disturbed Sleep Patterns
If your teenager is sleeping through the day and awake all night, something’s wrong. This isn’t just teenage laziness – it could be a cry for help related to addiction.
2. Dark Circles and Loss of Appetite
Drugs suppress appetite. If you notice your child skipping meals regularly, developing dark circles, and losing weight, pay attention. These are classic signs of substance abuse affecting their physical health.
3. Withdrawal Symptoms
When away from drugs – perhaps during a family vacation – an addicted child may show symptoms like blisters, severe stomach aches, and cramps. These aren’t just “stomach bugs” – they’re withdrawal signs that demand immediate attention.
4. Excessive Phone Use at Night
If your teen is glued to their phone late at night, they might be accessing the dark web to order drugs from foreign countries. Yes, it’s that easy for them in today’s digital age.
5. Unexplained Money Requests
When your child constantly asks for pocket money without reasonable explanations, question it. Don’t just hand over cash without understanding where it’s going. This is crucial parenting vigilance.
The Legal Consequences Are Severe
Here’s what many parents don’t know: consuming drugs is a crime in itself.
Mr. Wankhede was crystal clear about this. Even if your teen or college-going child is just using drugs and not selling them, they face:
- One year of imprisonment
- A fine of ₹10,000
All drug offenses are non-bailable. This means if your child is caught, they will be arrested first, sent to judicial custody, and then you’ll need to apply for bail.
I know this sounds harsh, but our youth need to understand – there is no escape from consequences. The law doesn’t distinguish between a “casual user” and an addict when it comes to initial arrest and prosecution.
But There’s Hope: Section 64A
Here’s something that offers a ray of hope. Mr. Wankhede explained that under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, there’s provision for immunity from prosecution for consumers who are addicts.
If your child is caught and they’re genuinely an addict (not a peddler), they can approach the court for immunity. But there’s a condition: they must undergo complete rehabilitation. They need to prove to the court that they’ve been rehabilitated. If the court is satisfied, they can get immunity and start life afresh.
This isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card – it’s a second chance earned through genuine effort to change and recover from addiction.
Who’s Most at Risk?
I asked Mr. Wankhede a question that many of you might be wondering: Are middle-class students safer from addiction?
His answer surprised me. The teens and youth most prone to drug addiction are at two extremes:
High-end society children – college students attending rave parties, with access to lots of money, psychedelic music, and drugs like cocaine and hydroponic weed.
Children from slums and underprivileged backgrounds – who consume cheap alternatives like cough syrups (protein-based), and easily available medicines like benzodiazepine.
The common thread? In both cases, parents are often absent either too busy making money or too busy surviving. This absent parenting creates a vacuum that addiction rushes in to fill.
What Should You Do If Your Child Is Caught?
I pray you never face this, but if you do, here’s what you need to know:
Immediate Steps:
- The police will arrest your child and send them to judicial custody
- You’ll need to apply for bail through legal counsel
- Contact rehabilitation centers immediately to begin the recovery process
- Document everything for the Section 64A immunity application
Resources Available:
- Nashamukti Mandals in Maharashtra (under Ministry of Social Justice) they have rehabilitation centers
- Government hospitals in cities like Mumbai have free de-addiction programs
- Private rehab centers if your financial situation allows
- Helpline 1933 (Nashamukti helpline)
- Helpline 112 (Police helpline)
You can inform authorities while keeping your identity secret. If you’re not comfortable with local police, you can directly approach higher-ranking officers like DCPs or Additional Commissioners during their public meeting hours.
The Parenting Gap: Mental Health Matters
This is difficult to hear, but Mr. Wankhede shared something that hit home. When high-profile people were caught with drugs, some parents actually told their children: “It’s okay to consume natural drugs, just avoid chemicals. Weed and grass are fine.”
Can you imagine?
On the other end, in working-class families where both parents work weekends and regularly consume alcohol in front of children or take them to parties where drinking happens, what message are we sending to our teens?
I’m not here to judge. I’m a working mother too. But we need to ask ourselves: Would we give our toddler alcohol? Of course not, because it’s bad for their health. Then why do we normalize it as they grow older?
The mental health of both parents and children plays a crucial role here. Mr. Wankhede emphasized something profound: mothers and fathers need to be emotionally available and mentally present. When a child faces rejection, failure, or depression, they should feel safe coming to us – not turning to substances for comfort.
The mental health of the mother, in particular, is vital in creating a home environment where children feel heard, understood, and supported. If a parent is struggling with their own mental health, how can they recognize the signs of distress in their teens?
Real Stories from the Field
Mr. Wankhede shared heart-wrenching encounters from his years in law enforcement. He’s witnessed college students caught with drugs whose parents were completely unaware. He’s seen teens from privileged backgrounds destroyed by addiction, and youth from underprivileged areas trapped in the peddler cycle.
What struck me most was when he mentioned cases where students left suicide notes saying, “I’m sorry, Papa. I’m sorry, family. I couldn’t do it.” These weren’t just about academic failure, many were about the shame of addiction, the inability to escape, and the fear of disappointing their parents.
This is where parenting must evolve. Our children need to know they can come to us with anything including their darkest struggles with addiction without fear of harsh judgment or rejection.
My Message to You
Dear parents, I know life is overwhelming. I know you’re doing your best. But our youth need us present – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
Mr. Wankhede shared something beautiful that he does with his children. Every night for 10 minutes, he and his wife teach their children about real heroes – Bhagat Singh, Ashfaq Khan, Ram Prasad Bismil. Not film stars or social media influencers, but people who sacrificed for our nation.
Ask yourself: Does your teen know who Captain Vikram Batra was? Who Pritilata Waddedar was? Or do they only know entertainment celebrities?
The relationship you build with your child today determines whether they’ll come to you tomorrow when they’re in trouble – or hide in shame and fear.
Three Things to Tell Your Children Today
Let me leave you with three powerful messages Mr. Wankhede shared for our youth and teens:
- Say no to drugs and yes to life – Life is precious, and addiction destroys it. There’s no “safe” experimentation.
- Have real heroes, not false ones – Entertainers are not heroes. Learn about people who actually changed the world through courage and sacrifice.
- Contribute to the nation – Even 5-10 years of service to society can give life meaning and purpose beyond personal success.
Building Mental Health Resilience Through Parenting
One thing Mr. Wankhede emphasized throughout our conversation: the importance of open communication. When students face failures whether in college entrance exams, relationships, or career choices – they need parents who listen without judgment.
He shared his own philosophy: “The only things that should worry you deeply are if someone you love is seriously ill or if you’ve lost someone close. Everything else including material failures can be overcome.”
This perspective is what our teens need to hear. In a world where one failed exam can feel like the end, where peer pressure in college is immense, where social media creates impossible standards – our youth need the mental health support that comes from knowing their parents believe in second chances.
The Role of Schools and Colleges
While parenting is crucial, Mr. Wankhede also highlighted the need for educational institutions to step up. Schools and colleges need:
- Regular awareness programs about drug addiction
- Counselors trained to spot early signs of substance abuse
- Safe reporting mechanisms for students to seek help
- Collaboration with local police for prevention programs
If your child’s school or college doesn’t have these, advocate for them. Your voice as a parent matters.
A Mother’s Plea
As a psychologist, I’ve counseled families torn apart by addiction. As a mother, I’ve felt the fear of raising children in this world. But as someone who’s seen recovery and redemption, I know this: it’s never too late to start paying attention.
Talk to your teens today. Not at them, but with them. Ask about their college life, their friends, their struggles. Create a relationship where they feel safe telling you anything – even their mistakes, especially their failures.
Watch for the signs. Stay aware. Stay connected.
And remember, if you ever need help, those helplines are there. Nashamukti centers are there. Government hospitals are there. You’re not alone in this fight against addiction.
Our students are our future. Our youth will build tomorrow’s India. Let’s protect them with awareness, mental health support, and the kind of parenting that says: “I’m here for you, no matter what.”
