Recent clinical data reveals a growing adolescent substance use risk across educational institutions in India. Specifically, a nationwide school survey evaluated over 6,000 teenagers across 108 schools in six distinct districts. Overall, the findings show that 21.4% of adolescent students fall into moderate or high-risk categories. Consequently, clinicians and educators must recognize early warning signs to implement timely preventive measures through an adolescent health program.
Key Findings on Adolescent Substance Use Risk
Researchers classified 10.3% of teenagers at moderate risk and 11.1% at high risk. In contrast, the remaining 78.6% of adolescents showed a low-risk profile. Interestingly, regional variations proved significant across the six surveyed districts. For example, Guwahati and Deoghar reported the highest proportions of at-risk students. Conversely, schools in Nagpur and Puducherry demonstrated predominantly low-risk profiles. Therefore, geographical and contextual environments heavily influence substance exposure patterns.
Modifiable Risk Factors and Clinical Assessment Tools
The study utilized the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to evaluate risk level. Additionally, researchers assessed personality traits using the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). Higher digital exposure and easy accessibility to substances directly correlated with elevated risk. Furthermore, permissive attitudes toward drug consumption significantly increased adolescent vulnerability. Surprisingly, female teenagers demonstrated higher odds of elevated substance risk than males. However, strong social engagement provided a protective buffer against substance involvement.
Implications for Clinical Practice and Policy
Broad awareness campaigns alone cannot curb adolescent substance misuse effectively. Instead, experts advocate for context-specific, multi-level public health interventions. Regulatory bodies must enforce stricter controls to limit substance accessibility near schools. Moreover, enhancing media literacy helps mitigate the negative impact of digital exposure. Finally, scaling peer-led programs like the Community Based Peer-Led Intervention remains vital, which can be further explored by professionals specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What percentage of Indian teenagers are at risk of substance use?
According to the study, 21.4% of adolescents are at moderate or high risk, while 78.6% remain at low risk.
Q2: What screening tools were used in this study?
Researchers evaluated participants using the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS).
Q3: What modifiable factors increase adolescent substance use risk?
Key modifiable factors include substance accessibility, high digital exposure, and permissive attitudes toward drug and alcohol use.
References
- Over one-fifth of teenagers in India could be at moderate, high risk ofsubstance use: Study – ETHealthworld
- World Health Organization. The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST): Manual for use in primary care. WHO Guidelines; 2010.
- Dhawan A, Chatterjee B, Bhargava R, et al. Substance use among school-going adolescents in India: Results from a nationwide survey. Natl Med J India. 2025;38:332–338.
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