With Canada’s job market in turmoil, Indian students are increasingly turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to a concerning rise in addiction cases.

What Happened: The escalating unemployment crisis in Canada has led to a surge in drug and alcohol abuse among Indian students, The Times of India reported.

The students are struggling with the financial strain of hefty education loans, the high cost of living, and the economic fallout of joblessness.

"In my second semester, I saw seniors around me doing ad hoc jobs to get by. It stressed me out, and I started to believe I would meet a similar fate. That's when I started smoking, then alcohol, and eventually marijuana," said a 25-year-old student from Maharashtra.

According to the report, the students are turning to substances like marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, and opioids as a means of dealing with their financial and emotional stress.

It has also led to an increase in therapy sessions and a rise in cases of excessive alcohol consumption.

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Many of the students, who have taken out loans ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹40 lakh on average, are finding it difficult to secure employment after completing their degrees.

This has led to a sense of hopelessness and financial strain, with some students even resorting to deceptive means to fund their addiction.

Why It Matters: The rise in addiction cases among Indian students in Canada is a direct result of the country’s ongoing unemployment crisis.

According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in the country rose to 5.8% in February, in part due to the impact of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada.

This issue also underscores the importance of providing adequate support and resources for international students who are struggling to navigate the challenges of studying and working abroad.

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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India, on Flickr