Substance abuse in children and adolescents

Consumption of licit and illicit substances has increased all over the world and the age of initiation of abuse is progressively falling. The common drugs of abuse amongst children and adolescents in India are tobacco and alcohol. Use of illicit drugs like cannabis and heroin have also been reported. A high prevalence of drug use and even intravenous use among street children and working children is a matter of concern. Although initiation to drug use usually occurs during adolescence, the adolescent drug users are seldom seen in various treatment centres. Thus community based programmes are beneficial for prevention and treatment of substance abuse among children and adolescents.