A study found that one-third of Bhubaneswar’s youth used drugs
According to a recent research, up to one-third of the youth visiting primary health centers in Bhubaneswar’s peri-urban districts take drugs, with two-thirds of them starting their usage before reaching puberty.
The study, which was a component of a wider survey that a group of academics and health experts did in 15 states, found that the prevalence of drug use among persons in the age category of 10-24 years is 37%, compared to the national prevalence of 32.8%.
The highest percentage on the prevalence chart was 89% in Zoram, Mizoram; the next highest percentages were 61% in Dahod, Gujarat; 54.5 % in Bengaluru; 46.3 % in Chennai; 46% in Lakhimpur, Assam; 39.2 % in Agra; 19% in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; 14.8% in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh; and 10.2% in Hyderabad, Telangana.
As one of the nation’s top tobacco users, Odisha bears a significant health risk from tobacco use. Around 75% of drug users started before reaching puberty, with a median commencement age of 18 years. Commonly consumed substances were alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, inhalants, and opioids.
The survey found that drug usage was less common among women. Substance use was much more common among males in the 20–24 age range, urban dwellers, married, working, having a good family background, and belonging to lower socioeconomic classes.
Since two-thirds of substance users had at least one parent who used drugs, the influence of peers and family was critical in the start of substance use.
Substance abuse is a complicated disorder with many facets, according to Dr. E Venkata Rao, a professor of community medicine at the IMS and SUM Hospital. According to him, the results are only the tip of the iceberg and there may be a higher true incidence since survey participants attended medical facilities for other conditions.
alarming statistics
37% of those aged 10 to 24 used drugs.
18 is the median age of commencement.
90% of users were referred by friends
In two thirds, at least one parent uses drugs.
