Adolescents substance usage in the neighbourhood community of chennai

Substance abuse or drug abuse is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance-related disorder. Most adolescents who use drugs do not progress to become drug abusers, or drug addicts in adulthood, drug use in adolescence are a very risky proposition. Typically, school and relationships, notably family relationships, are among the life areas that are most influenced by drug use and abuse. In terms of public health, adolescent substance use disorders have social and economic ramifications. The numerous adverse consequences associated with teenage drinking and substance use disorders include fatal and nonfatal injuries from alcohol- and drug-related motor vehicle accidents, suicides, homicides, violence, delinquency, psychiatric disorders, and risky sexual practices. Ahmad Nadeem (2009) study highlights the epidemic of substance abuse in young people has assumed alarming proportions in India. Changing cultural values, increasing economic stress and dwindling supportive bonds are leading to initiation into substance use. This study aims to investigating the frequency of habits, attitudes and practices related to substances and to determine the biological, psychological and socio economic characteristics of the adolescents by adopting descriptive research design through a Quantitative method and the primary data was collected through a semi structured interview schedule. The main focus of the study is to know the usage and its impact on individual, family and community at large and to suggest an appropriate social work intervention method for the adolescents to cope up their dependency on substance.