Eradicating adolescent drug abuse is crucial to sustaining India’s growth trajectory

By Khushboo Aggarwal, Akansha Gupta, Rayman Kharyal

One of the most crucial and unresolved concerns among adolescents is the prevalence of drug abuse, especially among the male population in developed and developing countries like the United States and India.

Substance abuse is defined as the use or administration of psychoactive substances, including alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, which can lead to dependence and harm an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as as well as social functioning and general well-being (World Health Organization). 2022). According to the WHO, 90% of children worldwide have used at least one substance of abuse. Additionally, more than 5.3% of children aged 15-16 (13.5 million) have used cannabis in past years (World Drug Report 2023).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association) defines substance use disorder as a problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, manifested by at at least two of the following symptoms occurring in a year. : impaired control of substance use, social impairment, risky use and pharmacological criteria.

Prevalence and impact

India is home to the largest number of children in the world, around 440 million. The country’s demographic structure shows that more than 20% of its population is aged 10 to 19 (243 million). These adolescents will contribute to economic growth by actively participating in the labor market. However, to harness the benefits of its demographic dividend, the country must ensure the availability of key inputs such as quality health and education. The increase in the consumption of legal and illicit substances constitutes an obstacle to obtaining quality health and education.

Youth engagement is key to achieving Goal 16 (peaceful, just and inclusive societies) and Goal 17 (partnerships and implementation) of the SDGs.

Of the total adolescent population in India, 54% belong to the age group of 10-14 years and the rest belong to the most vulnerable age group in which the child acquires academic, cognitive, social skills and life. (National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, 2013).

Substance use most often begins at age 12 or 13 and is rarely limited to alcohol. The general progression is generally from the use of legal substances (tobacco, alcohol) to illegal drugs, with marijuana being the usual initial illicit substance (Brown University). In India, tobacco and alcohol consumption became common among adolescents and in the case of tobacco, the age of initiation was as low as 12 years (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights ).

The use of harmful substances such as opioids, inhalants, sedatives, injection drugs and alcohol has increased at an alarming rate, particularly among adult men. Smokeless tobacco use has also become very popular in India due to its easy availability and inexpensive price (Gupta and Ray, 2003). Additionally, the consumption of smokeless and smoked tobacco, alcohol and cannabis (a psychoactive drug) is widespread among adolescents residing in slums.

Substance abuse can lead to long-term adverse consequences, such as poor quality of health, job loss, violent behavior, and a propensity to commit violent crimes (Degenhard et al 2010; Dandona et al 2017). Additionally, the effect of substance abuse is highest on the psychological health of adolescents, with the possibility of developing substance use disorders, leading to major behavioral changes including mood disorders, depression, anxiety and thought disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as personality disorders. as antisocial traits.
Tobacco (nicotine) use during adolescence and early adulthood poses a unique risk of long-term effects on the developing brain because nicotine changes the way synapses form, harming the parts which control attention and learning. The brain continues to develop until around the age of 25 and during adolescence its growth is not complete and is susceptible to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke (Arora M, 2019).

While substance use often tends to be framed as a problem or threat in public health or welfare discourse, the exact dimensions and implications of adolescent substance abuse have not been fully understood. been sufficiently taken into account by the authorities.

Meet the challenges

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under the National Health Mission, launched the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram in 2014 to address the unique health needs of adolescents. It focuses on six key areas: preventing substance abuse, improving nutrition, preventing injury and violence, improving mental and emotional well-being, and tackling non-communicable diseases. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was launched in 272 vulnerable districts of 32 States/UTs and now covers 372 districts. It aims to raise awareness about substance abuse among young people, with a particular focus on higher education institutions, university campuses, schools and community engagement.

To further discourage tobacco use, the ministry enacted the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in 2003. Recently amended, the law now includes mandatory health warnings in online tobacco content, targeting consumers adolescents particularly vulnerable to social media influences. Under Section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, supplying tobacco to minors can attract up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, Article 16 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control prohibits the sale of bulk tobacco to minors. The E-Cigarette Ban Act 2019 prevents the initiation of nicotine use through e-cigarettes, thereby reducing the risk of addiction.

After Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir has come up with a de-addiction policy aimed at eradicating drug abuse. This initiative is crucial as UT is experiencing a significant increase in drug abuse cases. Additionally, J&K’s proximity to the ‘Golden Crescent’ (which includes opium-producing countries like Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan) has made it a prime area for the illegal drug trade.

Incorporating evidence-based interventions, such as life skills training, may help build resistance to peer pressure and reduce initiation of substance use among adolescents. This is consistent with economic theories that emphasize early intervention in human capital development to prevent future losses in productivity and income. The most effective way to get rid of addiction is to educate young people at all levels, involving teachers, parents and the media.

Research shows that parents’ substance use can change their children’s perceptions, who may come to view these behaviors as normal. (Fletcher, JM 2012; Srivastava, S et al. 2021). Research into the harmful effects of substance abuse is a crucial tool in our fight against addiction. It is thanks to this knowledge that we can make informed decisions and act effectively.

Currently, India’s young population represents about a quarter of its total population. Their engagement is crucial to achieving Goal 16 (peaceful, just and inclusive societies) and Goal 17 (partnerships and implementation) of the Sustainable Development Goals. The adolescent population in India is critical to its well-being and growth. Therefore, investing in its development and well-being will determine the growth trajectory that India will achieve in the years to come.

(Khushboo Aggarwal is Maharishi Kanada Postdoc Fellow, Delhi School of Public Policy and Governance, Institution of Eminence, University of Delhi, Akansha Gupta and Rayman Kharyal are PhD students, Delhi School of Economics and Ambedkar University respectively)