A STUDY ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE OF ADOLSCENTS IN THE SOUTH ZONE OF DELHI

Abstract

Adolescence is a transitional stage of the human physical and psychological development. At this stage it offers opportunities for autonomy, intimacy, self esteem and competition. Adolescence is a period for experimentation and stating something new. This leads to a greater risk of this age group to substance abuse. It’s a world issue. They undergo a lot of peer pressure. There’s a Lack of social bonding, lack of low economic and social factors and family bonding with lesser parental and guidance.

Adolescent boys are recognized as a vulnerable group to substance abuse. The present study has the objective to study the type of substance abuse in adolescents. The study was conducted on 410 male and female adolescents, students of 10 ^th to 12 ^th class from the four intermediate schools of south delhi is taken. The highest use of Smoking (88.1) is prevalent, followed by the Alcohol (75.6) and tobacco chewing (61.4).  The least use is mostly cocaine, morphine, cough syrup and depressants. There are many who are subject to substance use. However 16 percent of them have tried once and majority of around 43 percent of them are the present users of one of these substances. The study is indicative of need for working closely with the law enforcing personnel to stop the free supply of these substances at school and developing a supportive environment involving both parents and teachers so that adolescents can decide and sustain with the right choices for healthy life.