Planning interventions for substance abuse in teenagers: a case of Bhopal

Abstract

The history of psychoactive substances being used and abused is as old as the history of civilisations. For thousands of years, human beings have been using various forms of plant-derived substances, as well as alcohol. According to reports by the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 90 percent of street children misuse some form of drugs. Substance use and associated health effects are highest among youth. Most research suggests that early (12–14 years) to late (15–17 years of age) adolescence is a critical risk period for initiating substance use, and that substance use may peak among youth aged 18–25. Drug use by young people varies from country to country, which depends on the social and economic conditions of those involved. Around 4.5 lakh children under the age of 17 addicted to inhalant abuse including whitener solution used to fix punctures etc. The risk of substance abuse is high amongst the teenagers belonging to disadvantaged groups and teens living in slums. Different drugs include cannabis, opioids, cocaine, inhalants, etc. The study aims to suggest Planning interventions to mitigate substance abuse practices in teenagers, by identifying a zone in Bhopal out of a total of 14 zones based on parameters such as slum dominance, lower literacy rates, higher crime rates. And to do a detailed ward level study and look out for the builtenvironment factors contributing to the higher rates of drug use in teenagers. The study is carried out with the help of primary household survey at ward level by dividing the whole zone into clusters and randomly selecting people for the survey in the particular zone followed by secondary survey including stakeholder consultation to identify the major locations for substance abuse activities and identifying the key built-environment, social and physical factors contributing. The objective of the study is to assess the role of various responsive factors for the growth of substance abuse in the selected zone. To suggest planning imperatives for preventing substance abuse practices. By recommending an effective community design that will lead to an overall increase in community networks and morale by creating a "neighbourhood atmosphere" in which people are empowered to engage in a safe environment. Eliminating the sense of over-crowding, fear of crime and to remove the social barriers which are leading to the illegal activities.