• Dr. Satyavrata Panda

Adolescent drug addiction is a growing public health concern in India, particularly in urban-industrial regions such as Jamshedpur. This pilot study aims to explore the patterns and underlying causes of substance abuse among adolescents aged 13 to 19 years in the city. Utilizing a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design, data were collected from 100 purposively selected adolescents through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings revealed that alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis were the most commonly used substances, with many participants reporting initiation between the ages of 14 and 16. Peer pressure, academic stress, family neglect, and easy availability of substances emerged as the most significant contributing factors. Qualitative interviews further highlighted the emotional and social vulnerabilities faced by adolescents, including the desire for acceptance and coping with personal or family crises. The study emphasizes the complex interplay of individual, social, and environmental influences on adolescent drug use in Jamshedpur. Despite limitations in sample size and generalizability, this research provides critical insights for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. The findings underscore the need for school-based awareness programs, parental guidance initiatives, and community-level support systems to effectively address adolescent substance abuse in the region. Drug addiction among adolescents has become a critical public health issue globally and in India. This pilot study explores the patterns and causes of drug addiction among adolescents in Jamshedpur, a major industrial city in Jharkhand. Using a mixed-method approach, the study collected data from 100 adolescents aged 13-19 years, employing questionnaires and interviews. Results indicate peer pressure, family issues, academic stress, and easy availability of drugs as significant contributors to addiction. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted intervention programs to address adolescent drug abuse in Jamshedpur.

PILOT STUDY ON PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN JAMSHEDPUR

"PILOT STUDY ON PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN JAMSHEDPUR", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no.f597-f604, September 2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509581.pdf

"PILOT STUDY ON PATTERNS AND CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN JAMSHEDPUR", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 9, page no. ppf597-f604, September 2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2509581.pdf