Drug abuse among youth: a harash reality

Introduction: Drug abuse is a rapidly growing public health concern among youth across the economic spectrum all over the world. Pakistan is reported the highest usage of drugs in the world, with atleast 1.5 million drug addicts in the country. And by 2011, it has reached to 9.6 million (Qasim, 2012). Drug abuse which used to considered the bane in Pakistan, but now taking toll among Pakistani youth resulting in serious social and mental health problems. Magnitude of the problem Nearly 5 million regular drug users are living in Pakistan. 40% live in urban areas and 60% live in rural areas (Mubeen and Sharif, 2007). More than 20% of the youth ages between 15 to 25 years is the total population and are the most startling consumers of substance abuse in Pakistan (Niaz, 2005). Drug abuse not only increase individual health problems but it also burdens on the entire public health problem such as the spread of Hepatitis B and C, HIV/ADS, tuberculosis and so forth. Methodology: The literature review was done from the period of October-December 2013 from various online databases such as PUBMED, CINAHL and Allied Health Literature. The relevant articles ranging from 2004 to 2013, which include researches, literature and peer reviews, reports and index articles. Findings: Drug abuse is more prevalent in middle and low-socioeconomic class groups and it is also prevalent in developed and developing countries. There are several determinants such as age, gender, poverty, education, peer pressure and social gatherings, affordability and accessibility that contribute in extensive use of drug abuse in young generation. Conclusion: Drug abuse is a significant public health concern that should be addressed immediately. The fight against drug abuse cannot be effective without availability and collaboration of country’s people, stakeholders, social, financial, and healthcare facilities, and proper allocation of required resources. Keywords: drug abuse, youth, social determinants, public health problem