JIST

Abstract

'Introduction: Substance abuse in India continues to be a substantive problem for the individual as well as the society. The processes of industrialization, urbanization and migration have led to loosening of the traditional methods of social control rendering an individual vulnerable to the strains of modern life thereby increasing the incidence of substance abuse. An essential step to combat this problem is to create awareness about substance abuse.

Aims and objectives: To know the level of awareness, to understand the grey areas about substance abuse which they are unaware of and to concentrate in those areas to create awareness.

Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out amongst 100 college students of arts and science college belonging to first year in Chennai city during January 2015 to June 2015.

Results: On analyses, 96 % students were found to have knowledge regarding substance abuse, 43% stated alcohol to be the most abused substance followed by heroin. 46 % of the responders stated that students would be the likely group to abuse and peer pressure would be the main cause for it.

Conclusion: It may be concluded that the health education programs in the colleges and a combined effort from the public and public sector, community and government will curb the menace of substance abuse.