Breaking the Silence: How Smoking, Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use Affect Us All

I know, I know, this is a taboo topic. “This is just some ancient curse that has plagued humanity for centuries and you can’t do anything about it, Chinmoy!” Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before. But humor me for a moment, will you?

We have the power to make a difference in the world. Over the years, we have used social media to raise our voices for various causes and to celebrate our achievements in advancing social justice. But when it comes to smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use, we have always stayed quiet. All my life, I’ve witnessed only negative things about them. Yet they have become a norm for all people, regardless of race, caste or gender. Why is that? My elders, my peers, and my juniors, all have suffered. Human culture values positivity and yet, they justify such poison as a necessity? No. I refuse to accept that. It is a choice. And we cannot rely on governments and organizations to solve this crisis without our involvement. This is something where we have to take charge of our own actions and choices that affect the ones we love.

Every year, 11.8 million lives are cut short by smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use. This is more than the total deaths from all cancers combined. Many of those who succumb to alcohol or drug overdoses are in the prime of their lives, under 50 years old. But the damage does not end there. Countless families are shattered by the loss of their loved ones. Children who grow up with parents who smoke, drink or use drugs are more likely to suffer from physical and mental health problems, poor academic performance, antisocial behavior and substance use disorders themselves. Parents who lose their children to overdoses are left with grief, guilt and anger that can last a lifetime. Spouses who struggle with their partners’ addiction are faced with stress, conflict and violence that can tear apart their relationship. Siblings who watch their brothers or sisters fall into the trap of substance use are filled with fear, sadness and helplessness that can affect their own well-being. And it’s a tragedy that we waste billions of dollars on these deadly substances, money that could have been invested in a much nobler cause.

So what is the solution? How can we free ourselves and our planet from this deadly trap? For an individual, the answer is simple. Just say no to smoking, drinking and drugs. That's all you need to do. And yet it is one of the most courageous and powerful things one could do. You can protect your health, your mood, your relationships, and your goals from the harmful effects of these substances. You can also seek professional help if you have trouble quitting or reducing your substance use. There are medications and therapies that can help you cope with cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and underlying issues. Meanwhile, as a species, we must unite against its existence. We must educate ourselves and others about the dangers of alcohol, smoking and drugs. We must support each other in making healthy choices and staying away from these harmful substances. We must create a culture that values wellness and well-being over addiction and escapism. And don't be discouraged. You are not alone in this struggle. Every social change in human history started from the passion of a few individuals who had a vision of a better world. A world without cigarettes, without booze, without any of that poison that clouds our minds and bodies. A world where we can have all the fun, all the happiness, all the freedom that we dream of without harming ourselves and others. A clean and peaceful life with no regrets whatsoever. Don't you want that? Don't you want to make a difference? Don't you want to be a hero? Then join me in saying no to smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use. Together, we can make it happen. Together, we can create a better world for ourselves and for generations to come.