Dear young minds! I have no doubt that you hate smoking. Right? You don’t like the unpleasant smell of a cigarette. Do you? And you won’t even like to talk on such a topic which you dislike the most. Isn’t it? But, friends, what if you know that many of your age fellows are falling prey to active or passive smoking? Wouldn’t you be concerned? Won’t you like to help them get rid of such a dangerous habit, which may lead not only to health problems but also mental and social dilemmas? Obviously, you will. I mean, you can’t let it happen to your loved ones.

What should we do then? I would say, simply not talking isn’t the solution to a problem. Smoking is something that doesn’t cause troubles to the smoker only, but also affects others. So, it isn’t an individual’s problem, but a collective menace that is spreading fast amongst our youth, and consequently hindering positive development in the society. 
So, first of all, let me dispel the idea that we should not discuss the issue of smoking. Secondly, get ready to play your role in helping those who are getting involved in this habit, because cigarette is only a starter; let’s do something as early as possible lest a smoker starts using illegal drugs and becomes an addict.   
Cigarette is only the first step. Those who get addicted to smoking, do not hesitate in adding opium, marijuana or heroin to the tobacco stick of a cigarette. This opens the door for a long period of trouble. You may have seen a family elder smoking. You may feel it a bit upsetting as you’ve read in text books or on TV screens about how smoking is injurious to health. 
You may wonder why someone whom you care about does something so harmful when he or she knows well that smoking is bad for health; it damages lungs and heart. Obviously, you care about your elder and you would like to tell him “look don’t smoke please, we need you to stay healthy. And you can stay healthy only if you stop the habit of smoking right now.”
Are All Drugs Useful?
But, you know smoking is just one harmful habit, whereas there are a number of other ills which are linked to a cigarette. Cigarette contains tobacco, which is full of nicotine. 
Nicotine is harmful for health; it causes lungs problems as well as heart attack. But there are people who do not just smoke tobacco, but they add other dangerous substances to the tobacco, which are commonly called drugs. Ironically, many of the drugs are used through cigarette. Doctors worldwide call cigarette a gateway to drugs. 
Harmful Drugs    
There is a long list of drugs which are dangerous and illegal. But briefly, let us discuss the few: (a) Marijuana is often called weed. It is usually smoked. It affects brain. (b) Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs, which is taken through cigarettes as well as injected into the body. It leads to extreme addiction and is very harmful to brain and heart. (c) Cocaine is a drug that makes people feel energetic for the time being, but it slowly damages the heart. (d) Meth is very addictive drug that can destroy the body over time, causing teeth to fall and skin to break. It also causes extreme changes in the brain, making it very difficult for users to think clearly. 
Active and Passive Smoking
You see people smoking cigarettes. Smoking may not seem as dangerous as drugs, but it’s still very harmful. It is dangerous for the one who smokes. It is called active smoking. It is also dangerous for those who don’t smoke but inhale the smoke while sitting in the company of smokers. It is called passive smoking. 
Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Both active and passive smokers inhale nicotine. Both bear the consequences. Sometimes, passive smokers too become active smokers. Addiction becomes hard to stop.
How Drugs Affect Social Life?
It’s important to know that drugs have serious social effects, too. Drugs don’t just harm body and mind, but hurt your relationships with friends, family, and people around you. When someone starts using drugs, it’s not just his or her health that suffers, rather everything around starts to change. Here are some of the effects which impact our social life:
Changes in Behavior    
Drugs make people behave strangely. They act more aggressively or become distant, moody or secretive. Friends feel uncomfortable being around them. They notice their friend is no longer the same person. So, their friendship suffers.
Smell and Appearance
One of the first things people notice is the smell. Drugs like cigarettes, marijuana, opium have strong smell that disturbs others. Friends or classmates start avoiding. Drug abuse often affects the user’s appearance. The skin becomes dull, and eyes look red or tired.
Losing Friends
When someone starts using drugs, he often begins to lose friends. This can make the person using drugs feel isolated or lonely.
Loss of Trust
When someone starts using drugs, people around him may start losing trust in him. He might break promises, fail to show up for important events, or act unpredictably. Once trust is broken, it’s very hard to rebuild. Friends, teachers, and family members may stop relying on him. 
What is the Solution?
The big question is, how to break the cycle, and how to stop the abuse of drugs? The answer is, each one of us – parents, teachers, siblings and friends – has a role to play.
Parents and Family
What parents should do is to talk openly with kids about drugs. Having frank conversations can make a difference. If you see parents or elders smoking, please talk to them about what you’ve learnt in school. Explain how these substances hurt one’s health. Tell them how much you care about them. Your love and concern can encourage them to make better choices. 
It’s essential for parents to avoid normalizing smoking or drinking around children. They must create boundaries for the health of children by setting clear rules against misuse and abuse. Kids have open access to social media and internet. It makes easier for them to get influenced by what they see online. It’s the parents’ responsibility to create a welcoming environment for their children.
Teachers and Schools
School is a place of learning. Teachers can help create an environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and talk about their concerns. It’s important for teachers to observe the students’ behavior, watch for a sign of trouble or change. The school administration should actively monitor such activities related to drugs’ use. Providing healthy alternatives such as sports, arts, or other opportunities can engage students positively and keep them away from harmful substances.
Conclusion
Drug addiction is dangerous. It adversely affects one’s physical, mental, spiritual, social and financial health. Preventing drug abuse isn’t just about saying ‘No’ to it, it’s about building a life full of healthy choices, strong relationships, and open conversations.
Together, we can create a world where one feels valued, supported, and empowered to lead a healthy and drug-free life. It’s a journey we’re on together. With love, education and awareness, we can protect the bright future of our youth, our future.