PROBING THE FACTORS ENGULFING ADOLESCENT BOYS INTO SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN INDIA

India is standing at a crucial juncture relating to substance abuse. The use of alcohol and tobacco is very prevalent among larger masses, including the adolescents. The country is passing through a crucial phase of epidemiological shift. It is estimated that India would have fastest rate of deaths attributable to substance abuse due to the high addiction rate during youth periods of life. Accordingly, the paper aims to assess the present condition of substance abuse among adolescent boys in India by identifying the key factors responsible for their engulfing into Substance abuse. The NFHS-3 data is used by applying appropriate statistical and GIS techniques. Findings reveal that the prevalence of substance abuse is highest among those adolescent boys who are illiterate, have low mass media exposure, living away from home, economically poor and living in the North-Eastern states of India. The use of alcohol is highest among adolescent boys belongs to Christian and Sikh religion whereas tobacco use is highest among Muslims. Adolescents must be educated and make aware of harmful effects of substance abuse through special programmes, especially through peer based approach. Role of mass-media should be strengthened to highlight the health warnings and adverse health implications.