Substance Abuse among Children: A Rising Problem in India

Substance abuse among in children is a cause of concern across the globe. India shares this problem in massive volume and focuses its future adverse consequences on health, growth, productivity, and well-being. The health risks inherent, with substance abuse, often are linked with other risk behaviors (like early sexual activity, violence, academic failure, school dropout, delinquency) among children. This renders children vulnerable and poses a greater burden in terms of health, performance, and economic cost to the family and the nation. The available literature provides evidence that developed nations have taken cognizance of this problem long ago, and are working towards educating, rehabilitating, protecting children and preventing this problem. India is still oblivious of the concurrent and future threats and consequences. In spite of the gravity of the problem, not many systematic empirical research studies have focused on why children are turning towards alcoholism and substance abuse, who are these children, what are the motivators, temptations, pulling or pushing forces, or compelling circumstances. What are the concurrent and future consequences and what measures can be taken to protect growing children from turning to such vices in India. This paper tries to focus on the epidemiology of substance abuse, its genetic correlates, psychosocial and socioeconomic factors associated towards alcohol and substance abuse among children. The paper also suggests some preventive measures and strategies control substance abuse among children.