Internally displaced persons definition

Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad

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Commenters online were shocked when an individual said they recently discovered they were born intersex and had their genitals removed after birth with the permission of their parents.

The original poster (OP), or u/Intelligent_Source63, posted about the situation on Sunday in Reddit ‘s popular forum, “True Off My Chest” where it received nearly 10,000 upvotes and 700 comments. The post can be found here .

The Intersex Society of North America (ISNA) defines intersex as an umbrella term for individuals who are “born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male.”

According to Human Rights Watch, an organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, an estimated 1 in 2,000 babies in the United States are born intersex each year. In many of these situations, medical professionals might recommend surgical intervention to make the genitals meet “arbitrary standards.”

The Post

In the post titled, “​​Found out I’m intersexual and had my genitals removed at birth,” the original poster (OP) explained that she wasn’t interested in “feminine” things growing up and described herself as a “tomboy” and a lesbian.

The OP said one time at the gynecologist the doctor gave her mom a “weird look” during the appointment. “Now I think I know why lol,” she wrote.

The other day, the OP and her family were drinking together when she commented about how comfortable she felt with her shaved head. When her aunt heard her, she “burst into tears.”

The OP said her aunt repeatedly said, “I’m so sorry, I should have stopped them!” She said her parents tried to “shush and shut her up,” and that her grandparents got red in the face.

“Later I asked what they were talking about, and they reminded me how [they] always told me that I had been born with my ‘Vagina’ closed off and they had to perform surgery to open it,” the OP wrote. “Well, turns out I had a dick. And a vagina.”

“They called me a hermaphrodite(?) and told me that it was the best decision they could have done for me,” the OP wrote. “Sigh. Don’t really know how to feel. It’s always been a difficult topic in my family that I decided to embrace my more masculine side, and now I know why.”

The OP told Newsweek that while she understands things were different 20 years ago, she’s angry that her parents took such an important decision away from her.

“It’s definitely bringing up ideas about how would I feel better about myself, and what I would like to do,” she said, referring to her sexual identity, who also added that she hopes people in similar situations know that there are people they can reach out to online for resources or support.

“…There are kind people out there wanting to help,” she said. “I’ve received so much information and referrals to communities that could help me this past night since posting that’s left me speechless. There’s always a helping hand out there.”

Redditors React

Nearly 600 users commented on the post, with many offering their support.

“I have a cousin that this happened to. Was born intersex and they made the decision to make him a girl due to the information they had,” one commenter wrote. “Around puberty, he started wanting to be a boy and they supported his transition. I feel like sometimes the best thing is to leave everything alone if it’s functionally ok and let the person decide.”

Meanwhile, another user commented: “From a nonbinary lesbian: there is no wrong way to be a woman, there is no wrong way to be a man, and there is nothing wrong with being neither or both.”

“Unless it’s not possible, leave both sets of genitals and let the person decide later in life,” said another user.

In the 1960s, medical professionals began suggesting corrective surgery for babies born with sexual or reproductive anatomy—referred to as the Hopkins model and led by psychologist John Money .

“As the Hopkins model spread throughout the developed world, surgeons performed cosmetic genital surgeries on intersex children without their consent, believing this was necessary and efficacious,” the ISNA writes on its website.

On 7 December 1987, the General Assembly proclaimed 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in an expression of its firm determination to work together to promote a drug-free society worldwide.

This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the severe problem that illicit drugs pose to society. Individuals, communities, and various organizations worldwide participate in this contribution.

The theme of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day 2022, is “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises.”

Effects Of Drug Abuse On Teenagers

Various factors can cause drug abuse and addiction among teens. First-time users are frequently exposed to readily available substances such as alcohol and cigarettes in social settings.

Insecurities or the desire to be accepted by others may cause continued use. In addition, teenagers may feel indestructible and may not consider the consequences of their actions, making them take dangerous risks with drugs [1] .

Teenage drug abuse is associated with the following risk factors [2] :

• Substance abuse in the family
• An emotional or behavioural health condition, such as depression, anxiety, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Impulsive or risk-taking behaviour
• A history of traumatic events, such as an accident or abuse
• Low self-esteem or feelings of rejection by others

Signs Of Teenage Drug Abuse

There are many signs that your teen is abusing drugs, but some of the most common ones are as follows [3] :

• Problems with the law, such as curfew violations, stealing, etc.
• Problems at school, including excessive tardiness, poor grades, suspension, etc.
• Mood swings
• Loss of interest in favourite activities
• Possession of drugs
• Violent behaviour
• Withdrawal
• Depression
• Poor hygiene

Consequences Of Teenager Drug Abuse

Teen drug abuse may result in the following negative effects [4] :

• Addiction to drugs: Teenagers who misuse drugs are at a greater risk of serious drug use in adulthood.
• Poor judgment: Teen drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.
• Sexual activity: The use of drugs is associated with high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex, and unplanned pregnancy.
• Mental health disorders: Drug use can exacerbate or increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
• Changes in academic performance: Substance abuse can negatively impact academic performance.

Health Effects Of Drugs

Substance abuse can lead to drug addiction, impairment, illness, and death. The following are some of the health risks associated with commonly used drugs [5] [6] :

• Cocaine : An increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and seizures
• Ecstasy : An increased risk of liver failure and heart failure
• Inhalants : Risk of damage to the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys when used long-term
• Marijuana : Risk of impaired memory, learning, problem-solving, and concentration; risk of psychosis such as schizophrenia, hallucinations or paranoia – later in life associated with early and frequent consumption
• Methamphetamine : Psychotic behaviours are possible following long-term use or high doses
• Opioids : Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose
• Electronic cigarettes (vaping) : Exposure to harmful substances similar to that from cigarette smoking; potential for nicotine dependence

Teenage Drug Abuse Treatment

Please do not wait to intervene if you know a teen who is abusing drugs. The sooner your teenager seeks treatment for drug abuse, the more likely they are to avoid long-term consequences. There are a number of different teen drug rehabilitation programs to choose from. Speak to a medical professional about your teen’s symptoms and determine which type of drug abuse treatment is appropriate [7] .

Drug Abuse Among The Youth Of India

As a consequence of changing cultural values, fierce competition in the spheres of education and employment, the increasing economic burden on families, and the diminishing supportive bonds for adolescents in their transitional years, the prevalence of substance abuse among adolescents is on the rise in India [8] .

Adolescents are likely to experience their first exposure to various drugs, especially those that are readily available, such as glues, tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol. A high proportion of adolescents at risk are street children, child labourers, and teens with a family history of drug abuse or other emotional or behavioural challenges at home [9] .

A study conducted by the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights found that tobacco and alcohol are the most common forms of substance abuse among adolescents, followed by inhalants and cannabis. Furthermore, an observation was made that the average age of onset of tobacco use was as young as 12 years, while another study found that 46 per cent of slum-dwelling adolescents started using both smokeless and smoking tobacco, as well as alcohol and cannabis during their childhood [10] .

De-addiction Helpline Numbers

• National Toll-Free Drug-De Addiction Helpline: 1800-11-0031
• Tobacco Quit Helpline: 1800-11-2356 (Timings: 8 am to 8 pm) Or Give A Missed Call On 011-22901701 For Registration.
• Alpha Healing Centre (Gujarat): 1800-547-2060
• Cadabam’s Anunitha (Bangalore and Hyderabad): 96111 94949
• St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center & Relief Services (West Bengal): 03324024603, 8961401111

Government-operated centres

• National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Kamla Nehru Nagar, C.G.O. Complex, Gaziabad. PH; 25588223, 26588663
• De-addiction Centre, Dept. Of Psychiatry, PARK STREET, DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA HOSP., NEW DELHI-01. PH: 23365525
• Deptt. Of Psychiatry, Safdarjung Hospital. Phone: 26198481

Arya Krishnan Emergency Medicine

MBBS

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