Factors Related with Drug/Alcohol Addiction amongst School Going Students in Pune, India

Addiction may be perceived as an aberrant behaviour and as a social problem in metropolitan cities in India. It is regarded as an evidence of individual’s social maladjustment and viewed as a widespread condition that has harmful impact on society. Today, in Indian metropolitan cities, illicit drugs and alcohol are not only being consumed by street children but school going children have also fallen prey to it. Majority of the addicted students in Pune are slum dwellers and belong to the lower middle class of society. Through this study, efforts have been made to focus on the causes leading to addiction amongst school going students, and on the impact of addiction on students’ physical health, mental health and social behaviour. Researcher has also highlighted the major kinds of addiction amongst school going students (in the age group of 10 to 16 years) and efforts made by teachers for eradication of addiction among school going students. The result of the study shows that, the rate of drug abuse is very high, and there are many ill effects of addiction on the psychological condition of the students. It is also found that, teachers are facing several challenges in the counselling process for addicted students due to poor response of parents.