Climate Change and Substance Abuse: The Effects on Farmworkers in Maharashtra
Kamal Sonavane, a farmworker in the Indian state of Maharashtra, has found herself increasingly relying on smokeless tobacco to cope with the stresses brought upon by climate change. With extreme heat waves, floods, and crop failures becoming more common in the region, Sonavane and many others turn to substances like tobacco and alcohol for temporary relief from anxiety, stress, and depression.
Farmers in Maharashtra regularly experience losses due to climate-related disasters, which in turn affects the availability of agricultural jobs for Sonavane and other day laborers. The pressures of climate change have led to an increase in substance abuse not only in India but in other parts of the world as well. Studies have shown that people may turn to substances as a way to manage climate-related stressors and their impact on physical and mental health.
The addictive nature of substances like tobacco and alcohol poses serious health risks and can lead to various types of cancer. Despite knowing these risks, individuals like Sonavane feel compelled to continue using these substances due to their immediate relief from stress and negative emotions. Lack of access to mental health professionals and inadequate support systems further contribute to the problem as individuals struggle to find alternative coping mechanisms.
To address the issue of climate-related substance abuse, more research is needed to establish a direct link between climate change and its impact on substance use. Collecting data on hospital admissions and conducting surveys can help track patterns of substance use during and after severe weather events. Additionally, there is a need for increased investment in mental health resources and support systems to help individuals affected by climate-related distress.
Source: The Climate Crisis Is Driving People to Substance Abuse
