Drug Abuse Among Youth: Profile of Substance Abusers From Lifeline Rehab Drug Deaddiction Centre Kathua District, Jammu

Abstract

The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, problem relating to heroin addiction among young generation is increasing day by day. Drug trafficking and illicit cultivation of opium within the union territory are affecting youth. The geographical location of Jammu and Kashmir (UT) is highly vulnerable as illegal routing drugs (heroin) from Pakistan to Jammu and Kashmir. Methods: This study examined socio-demographic profile of substance abusers (85 patients registered during Jan2019 to September 2020) who attended treatment at Lifeline Rehab drug de-addiction centre Kathua district, Jammu. Objective: 1.To studies the socio demographic profile variables of the substances abusers 2. To identify the most commonly consumed substances among youth. Results: The results indicate that majority of patients were ages group between 25-30 years (40.4%) and between 17-24 years (30.5%). Most of the patient’s qualifications were higher secondary (44.3%) and matriculation (22.3%). A very high number of patients first use of substances at the ages of 16-20 years (56.4%) and ages between 12-15 years (22.3%). Heroin is the most common substance abuse by Kathua youth (63.5%). After heroin alcohol is the next commonly abuse substance (22.3%).