A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE, AND PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE USE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS FROM SELECTED SCHOOLS OF RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines “substance use” as “The use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with legal or medical guidelines which causes sufferers to experience physical and psychological dependency.” It is a major global concern today with nearly 284 million people aged 15 to 64 using illicit drugs annually.2 In India, this problem is increasing at an alarming rate, with nearly 2.8% of Indians having used cannabis products in the past year. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in collaboration with NDDTC at AIIMS in New Delhi, reported that cannabis and opioids rank as the second most commonly abused substances in India, following alcohol. Studies have shown that the highest proportion of substance abuse is prevalent among youth who contribute to one-fifth of the population.3 College life is a period of transition from the cocoon of parental vigilance and strictures of school life towards freedom. During this period, students may indulge in substance use, often to explore the boundaries and cope with new pressures of life. The stress resulting from societal changes, intense academic competition, increased financial burden on families, a decline in familial bonds, adolescent isolation, peer pressure, and curiosity collectively drive them to experiment with various drugs.4, 5 Addiction gives rise to aggravation of violent crimes, reduced job productivity, and a surge in health care costs. Substance abuse and dependence are qualitatively ranked on a continuum of substance use disorders in the recently released Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5), based on a number of symptoms. Substance use disorders are a psycho-medico- social problem requiring both medical and socio-psychological management.