Young adults in India constitute the majority of the Indian population. Poor lifestyle choices and behaviours during this young age are responsible for one third of morbidities and two thirds of untimely deaths in adults. Risk taking behaviour and poor lifestyle choices resulting from peer pressure, parental discord and poverty include violence, substance abuse and involvement with gangs. An alarming 13% of young adults in India are involved in drugs and substance abuse. 

In India there are no sensitization programmes addressing burning issues of drug abuse and its ill effects in school children or out of school children. India does not have a substantial substance abuse policy till date. 

The need of the hour is to develop a strategy focussing exclusively on each aspect of the risk-taking behaviour, while keeping a bird’s eye view on their health as a whole. Collaboration of efforts across the community is the only way to attain a healthy adolescence and henceforth a safe and productive adulthood. The cost benefit of investment in substance abuse prevention strategies is now well recognized. 

The department of community medicine has created an algorithm for identifying the adolescents and youth at risk of initiation of substance abuse as well as those indulged in it, and providing tailor made interventions to tackle this problem at various levels in communities and schools with support of peer groups and mentors. 

Consistent care and support provided during adolescence is reaped in adulthood by violence prevention, good mental health and excellent physical health. Hence investment in substance abuse prevention will in future reap rich dividends in the form of a safe and progressive community.

ACTIVITIES DONE UNDER EK KOSHISH

Faculty Members:

Prof Jayanti Semwal

Prof A K Srivastava

Dr DeepShikha

Dr Vidisha Vallabh

Ms Akanksha Uniyal

Meeting cum BCC sessions with primary health care providers and stakeholders

The trainers conducted several meetings and BCC sessions with ANMs and ASHAs of the block to not only ensure cooperation and a smooth functioning but also provide them first hand information on substance use problems in Doiwala. The meetings were quite fruitful as the health care providers were enthusiastic about this new and much needed initiative .