Pattern and profile of children using substances in India: Insights and recommendations

Abstract

India has one of the largest proportion of children and adolescents in the world, but the threat posed by child substance use remains under-researched. Only recently a large study, the first of its kind in India, was carried out with a sample of nearly 4000 children using substances (school-going, out-of-school as well as street children) across more than a hundred cities/towns. We discuss (i) the existing knowledge on the prevalence of child substance abuse in India; (ii) perspectives and insights gained from the recent nation-wide study on its pattern and profile; and (iii) recommendations for substance use prevention and treatment among children in the Indian context. A multipronged approach involving all stakeholders is required to address the issues of prevention and treatment.

Priorities and preferences for school-based mental health services in India: a multi-stakeholder study with adolescents, parents, school staff, and mental health providers

“…Although parents and teachers prioritized addressing self-harm for girls, the association of gender with suicidal attempts among young persons in India is less clear (Radhakrishnan & Andrade, 2012). Similarly, while substance use was more commonly referred to as a priority in boys in Goa, relatively high prevalence rates for substance use have been reported in many other parts of the country (Dhawan et al 2017).…”

“…Similarly, while substance use was more commonly referred to as a priority in boys in Goa, relatively high prevalence rates for substance use have been reported in many other parts of the country (Dhawan et al . 2017).…”

School-based substance use disorder prevention in India: A brief appraisal

“…[ 2 8 ] However, patterns seem to have changed. A recent large survey from India report “more similar than dissimilar” patterns of substance use between school going and nonschool/street children, albeit earlier onset and greater dysfunction in the later;[ 9 ] In fact, the use of alcohol and tobacco was comparatively higher in school going children. [ 2 ] Pertinently, the 2015 revision of the SPASA, under “preventive education and awareness generation” mentions targeting children both “in and outside educational institutions.”[ 10 ] Instating “inside,” i.e., SBP programs, in addition to the already in-place “outside,” i.e., community-based prevention, for substance use seem to be definitely necessary.…”

“…[ 25 ] Dhawan et al . [ 9 ] in their multi-site survey of nearly 4000 children, state that the recruitment was “easier.” However, the absence of data for girl students from many sites in this survey indicates the presence of these hurdles. Otherwise, with a nod from government in the form of national programs and policies and increasing awareness among teachers, schools and parents, feasibility should not be a concern.…”

Guidelines for psychosocial interventions in addictive disorders in India: An introduction and overview

“…Intervention guidelines have also been developed for women with substance use disorders, including women injecting drug users based on their assessed needs 26 27 Similarly, intervention guidelines for children with drug use have also been evolved based on a needs assessment. 28 …”