Blog Details

Drug abuse rarely begins as a big decision. For many young people it begins as curiosity, pressure from friends, stress before exams, loneliness, boredom, or the mistaken idea that "just once" is harmless. That is why prevention must speak to students with honesty, not fear alone.

The numbers show why this matters. The UNODC World Drug Report 2026 estimates that 331 million people used drugs in 2024, about 6.2% of the global population aged 15-64. Cannabis was the most used drug, with 256 million users, followed by opioids at 63 million. Behind every statistic is a person, a family, a classroom, and a future that can still be protected.

India's data also calls for attention. The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by NDDTC-AIIMS for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, found that about 16 crore people consume alcohol, 3.1 crore use cannabis products, and 2.26 crore use opioids. Among children and adolescents aged 10-17, government replies based on the survey estimated about 40 lakh current opioid users, 30 lakh inhalant users, 20 lakh cannabis users, and 30 lakh alcohol users. Inhalants are especially worrying because they can be cheap, easy to hide, and easily available near homes and schools.

Tamil Nadu is not outside this conversation. The same national survey placed Tamil Nadu among the top ten states by number of people needing help for alcohol-related problems, with about 31 lakh affected people in 2018. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan also identified vulnerable districts in Tamil Nadu for focused awareness and intervention. This tells us that the answer is not denial. The answer is early conversation, counselling, treatment access, and community support.

For students, the danger is not only addiction. Substance use can affect memory, sleep, judgement, mental health, friendships, family trust, attendance, sports, and career choices. Drugs can also make a young person easier to exploit by people who profit from dependence. Saying no is not a lack of courage; it is self-respect.

Parents and teachers should watch for sudden isolation, unexplained money needs, falling marks, sleep changes, irritability, secretive friend circles, and loss of interest in usual activities. But the first response should be calm. Shame pushes young people deeper into silence. A simple sentence like "I am worried about you, and I am here to help" can open a door.

If you are a student struggling with use, or if a friend is at risk, ask for help early. Talk to a trusted parent, teacher, doctor, counsellor, or call India's national drug de-addiction helpline 14446. Recovery is not a moral failure. It is health care, support, patience, and a second chance.

Sources: UNODC World Drug Report 2026; Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment / NDDTC-AIIMS national survey; PIB Government of India updates on youth substance use and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.