A Study of Drugs and Substance Abuse among Adolescents of Slum Dwellers

Drugs and substance abuse and dependence has become a worldwide public health crisis. The abuse of drug is an international problem, which affects almost every country in the world, both developed and developing. The present study was carried out with the objective: To study the prevalence and patterns of drugs and substance abuse among adolescents, living in slum of Meerut. A survey was conducted on slum area of Nauchandi compound, Meerut District. Sample was collected from 110 boys of 12 to 16 years old. The survey was based on drug addiction habits. Results shows that 46.36 % adolescents of the slum area used substance like Gutkha, Tobacco, Smoking, Alcohol, Afeem, Ganja, Thinner and Marijuana. 54.91% admitted to using one time, 23.53% admitted rarely, 15.68% admitted occasionally and 5.88%   admitted that they have craving for drugs, so use frequently. The most common substances used were Gutkha 46.36%, tobacco 40.91%, smoking 37.27%, and alcohol 13.63%.  8.18% substance abusers used multiple substances. Synthetic narcotics and LSD were not used by any of the abusers. Our study revealed that prevalence of substance use among adolescents is high and cause significant problem in this population, therefore there is necessity of targeted interventions to reduce this huge burden.