Hyderabad: A report of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Nimhans), Bengaluru, has revealed that a majority of IT/ITES employees are alcohol or drug addicts. Work-related pressures over deadlines, promotions and competition have been cited as causes for such addiction. Addiction is said to be more widespread among BPO and KPO employees.
Psychologist Dr C. Veerender, who also trains IT employees on personality development, explained, “There are multiple reasons for this (addiction). Employees in this sector are subject to high pressure, deadlines, issues with promotions. A certain section takes to drugs to enhance their focus, especially those dealing with creative thinking. While other reasons can be peer pressure, also other addicts telling them (falsely) that drugs helped them perform better. Another important reason is anxiety over promotions, as many employees have liabilities like loans, with EMI haunting them every month.”
Given the high pressures, not just narcotics, even prescription medicines are abused, doctors say. Dr Purnima Nagaraj, consultant psychiatrist who deals with such cases, explained, “The abuse of prescription drugs is high, too. Since they are believed to help in enhancing alertness, intellectual capabilities, sleep, etc. Also, along with alcohol and nicotine, ganja or weed is believed to be ‘ok’ to take. There is a new propaganda that weed is not dangerous. But over time, it makes one unmotivated and depressed, causes bizarre behaviour and psychosis”.
