Telugu students falling prey to drugs in US, deadly spike in overdose cases

[Sixers]

Two young men from small towns in Telangana, studying for a master's degree at a university in Texas, US, died just three minutes apart six months ago. They were roommates and had spent the evening snorting cocaine when they overdosed. Their friends rushed them to a hospital where they died.

In the last one year, at least 30 cases of drug overdose – some leading to death – have been reported to the Telugu Association of North America, from California, Texas, and Connecticut.

"The overall number of Indian students taking drugs is much higher. Some of them were found overdosed and in an unconscious state within a few months of coming to the US," Ashok Kolla, TANA ex-secretary and member told TOI.

Indian students abroad taking to drugs is not new. TOI had reported in April about many of them in Canada using drugs to beat unemployment blues. But the high number of overdose cases has startled many. And it is not just the lack of jobs or homesickness that is driving them towards a dangerous high.
"Unemployment issues typically arise later, usually after students complete their master's degrees," said Vishweshwar Reddy Kalavala, chairman of the Global Telangana Association.
‘Students experimenting with drugs due to peer pressure or for new experiences’
"The primary reason for drug use is easy availability of substances on college campuses, often obtained through peers. Students start experimenting with drugs due to peer pressure or a desire to explore new experiences, fuelled by their newfound freedom. Additionally, in many parts of the US, drugs such as marijuana are legal and relatively inexpensive."In Connecticut, a student was recently found overdosed and unconscious, but he survived after receiving timely treatment. 
"He is currently staying with his relatives and is undergoing counselling," Kolla added.
A 27-year-old from Hyderabad, currently residing in Texas, shared a similar experience involving his 22-year-old cousin who moved to Houston in Sept 2023 for a master's degree in information technology.
"He used to borrow money from me, his friends, and other relatives citing expenses for college assignments and stationery. Later, his roommates told us he had taken to drugs. He stopped paying rent and attending college, using the borrowed money to fund his addiction. He is doing better now," he added.
He added that the students he spoke to said they acquired drugs for as cheap as $15 to $20. The association conducts awareness campaigns and webinars for the students on substance abuse.
"We also organise de-addiction counselling sessions," he said.
Universities in the US too report that they are seeing an upward trend of drug abuse among Indian students. Balaji Krishnan, provost of the University of Memphis, said many face disciplinary action if they are caught taking drugs. 
"If an international student is arrested or violates the law, most police or law agencies will report the matter to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Then ICE determines whether the student should be deported or not," he said.
A de-addiction therapist from Atlanta with nine years of experience, said, "I see at least 10 students aged 18 to 22 each month dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs. Many more are depressed, burdened by unemployment and the pressure of repaying loans."