Knowledge And Practice of Substance Abuse Among the Adolescent Group - a Descriptive Study

Substance abuse among adolescents has become a worldwide challenge and also an important public health problem. The prevalence rate of drug abuse is highest among young adolescents and young adults. There is need for interventions for the substance abuse problem. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of substance abuse among the adolescent Group in a selected college of BBSR, Odisha. The study includes 100 adolescents having 15-20 years of age. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to collect data. It was found that more number of adolescent boys were taking substances to reduce their tension, anxiety. Students started taking drugs and alcohol by watching their parents, by exposure through TV, or by peer pressure. Maximum number of students was strongly agree with the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Health education is an important strategy for those groups to prevent and control drug abuse. Parents, educators, and peer group have an important role to counsel and educate the adolescents once they are dependent on substances.