Drug abuse among students is a critical issue that involves the intense and often willful misuse of drugs, leading to addiction. The phenomenon persists globally, with variations in prevalence across different regions. Recent research aimed to determine the ratio of drug abuse among students by surveying different educational institutions.

Study Design and Participants

The study surveyed 500 students from two private universities and two government universities to evaluate the extent and causes of drug abuse among them. The survey aimed to identify multiple factors contributing to drug abuse and to measure the prevalence of different types of substances being misused.

Key Findings

Prevalence of Drug Abuse

The survey revealed a high proportion of students abusing drugs. The major substances identified were:

• Stimulants
• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Antihistamines
• LSD

Gender Differences

The study found that males are more likely to abuse drugs compared to females.

Sector Differences

Students in private sector institutions showed higher rates of drug abuse compared to those in government sector institutions.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contributing to drug abuse among students were identified:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Peer Pressure
• Schizophrenia
• Personality Disorders

Types of Drugs Abused

The most commonly abused drugs among students included:

• Heroin
• Marijuana
• Designer Drugs (Cannabinoids)

Designer Drugs

The use of designer drugs, particularly cannabinoids, has shown a peak in recent trends.

Global Context

Despite regional differences, drug abuse is regarded as a worldwide epidemic influenced by evolutionary genetics, physiology, and environmental factors. The use of illicit and prescription drugs among college students has reached an all-time high globally.

Implications

The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the factors contributing to drug abuse among students. Strategies should be tailored to account for the higher prevalence among males and students in private sector institutions.

Source: Academia