Figure 1: Range of age groups taken for the drug and
substance abuse survey
Drug and substance abuse represents a significant public
health concern globally, impacting individuals and
communities across all demographics. According to the
World Drug Report 2022 by the United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 275 million
people worldwide used drugs in the past years [1].
Among these, a substantial proportion are young adults,
highlighting the critical need for targeted awareness and
prevention efforts within this age group. In the context of
India, substance abuse is an escalating issue. The
National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use
(NSEPSU) in India [2] indicates that approximately
2.1% of the Indian population (aged 10-75 years)
use opioids, with a considerable portion of these
users being young adults. Research reveals that drug
abuse manifests differently among males and females,
influenced by distinct biological, psychological, and
social factors. According to the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA),
while men are more likely to use illicit drugs, women are
more susceptible to addiction at lower levels of use and
are more likely to experience intense cravings and
relapse [3]. Sociocultural expectations and gender
roles also play a crucial role. Women, especially
young female students, may turn to substances as a
coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or depression,
often exacerbated by social dynamics. Furthermore,
studies highlight that women face unique barriers to
seeking help for substance abuse, including fear of
stigma and lack of gender-sensitive treatment options
[4]-[5].
Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young adults, providing not only
motivation in academic education but also influencing
their social and personal development. For female
students, this period can be particularly trans formative,
but also challenging, as they navigate personal and
professional issues. The susceptibility to drug abuse
during this phase is heightened by emotional stress,
making awareness and prevention programs within
educational settings essential. University students are a
demographic particularly vulnerable to drug abuse due to the transitional nature of this life stage. Studies by Johnston
[6] and the Monitoring the Future survey consistently show high levels of substance use among college
students, with factors such as peer pressure, academic
stress, and newfound independence contributing to this
trend. In the Indian context, researchers underscores
a similar pattern [7]-[8]. These studies reveal that drug abuse among university students in India is influenced by factors like easy availability of drugs,
curiosity, peer influence, and the desire to cope with
professional pressures. A similar study conducted on the
school students regarding their knowledge about the
substance use and it was concluded that the source about
their awareness was their own educational institute
[9].
The knowledge about drug abuse among female graduate students is significantly influenced by their immediate environments, including their homes. The prevalence of drug use by male family members can profoundly impact these students. Studies have shown that exposure to substance abuse in the family can lead to higher stress levels, emotional distress, and increased susceptibility to substance abuse themselves [10]. This environment often normalizes drug use and can create a stressful and unstable home life, further increasing the risk of mental
health issues and negatively impacting academic performance and social relationships [11]. Understanding
these dynamics is crucial for developing effective support
systems and intervention strategies for female students
who are indirectly affected by drug abuse in their homes.
Awareness and knowledge about the risks associated with drug abuse are crucial for prevention. The Theory of Planned Behavior [12] suggests that knowledge and attitudes significantly influence individuals’ intentions and behaviors. In the context of drug abuse, awareness
programs that educate students about the dangers and provide coping strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of substance use.
Among graduation-level female students, the issue carries particular gravity due to the unique social, psychological, and biological factors influencing this
group. This survey investigates the knowledge and awareness of drug abuse among graduation-level female students, aiming to uncover their understanding of commonly abused substances, perceptions, attitudes, and experiences, as well as their views on prevention and support programs. However, studies indicate a gap in awareness among students. Research by McCabe
[13] highlights that while students may have general knowledge about drug abuse, they often lack specific
information about the risks and consequences. This gap
underscores the need for comprehensive education and
prevention programs tailored to the unique needs
of female students. The study aims to shed light on
the knowledge and awareness of drug and substance
abuse among graduation-level female students. By
understanding their perceptions and experiences,
stakeholders can develop more effective educational,
preventive, and support mechanisms to combat this
pressing issue. The findings of this survey will provide a
foundation for meaningful interventions and positive
change in the lives of young female students. The study aims to shed light on the knowledge and awareness of drug and substance abuse among graduation-level female students. By understanding their perceptions and experiences, stakeholders can develop more effective educational, preventive, and support mechanisms to combat this pressing issue. The findings of this survey will provide a foundation for meaningful interventions and positive change in the lives of young female students.
The survey was administered to 948 female students enrolled in graduation-level programs across various fields studying at Khalsa College for women, Ludhiana, Punjab, Bharat (India). The survey was distributed electronically and collected through Google form. Responses were collected over a period of 6 days (17 Nov to 22 Nov, 2023). We selected four ranges for age and four disciplines for the data collection and the collected data was analyzed quantitatively.
As seen in Fig. 1, the girls in the 18–19 age group had the highest number of responses out of the four chosen age groups; the 17–18 age group had fewer responses. This could be because the college must be having the highest number of students in this age group, while the 17–18 age groups may have had less exposure to the term drug abuse. Fig. 2 makes it clear that the commerce students provided the most answers. Following study, we learned that a larger proportion of students in college are from the commerce stream than from other ones.
The data indicates a high level of awareness and recognition of the term "drug abuse" among the respondents, with 94.6% indicating familiarity with this concept. This suggests that drug abuse is a well-recognized issue within the surveyed population, with a widespread understanding of its significance and implications. As suggested by one study conducted by Alenazi et al. [14] on having knowledge regarding alcohol consumption and drug usage there is a disconnect between awareness and actual behavior. So we can say in this study also the respondents having knowledge does not mean they can play a role in curbing this menace. In the present survey, approximately 43% of participants rated their knowledge of drug abuse as "moderate" to "high" (scoring 3 or above on a scale of 1 to 5), indicating that a substantial portion of the respondents feel they have a reasonable understanding of the topic. This suggests that many individuals within the surveyed population believe they possess at least a moderate level of knowledge regarding substance abuse, which may encompass aspects such as its causes consequences, prevention
strategies, and available resources for intervention and treatment. The data regarding the knowledge about the commonly used drugs or substance is represented as a graphical form in Fig. 2. The survey revealed that alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among the students surveyed, with 80.9% reporting its abuse. This high prevalence may be attributed to the legal status and wide availability of alcohol and those who do not consume like the severed population in present study are likely to have knowledge about its use and abuse from their social circles, observing its role and effects in the lives of their dear ones. Cocaine abuse was reported by 73% of the respondents, indicating significant exposure to this powerful stimulant, which is known for its high potential for addiction and serious health issues. Heroin abuse was reported by 67.2% of the respondents, highlighting the prevalence of this illegal opioids that is highly addictive and can severely impact both physical and mental health [8].
Marijuana abuse, though less prevalent than alcohol, cocaine, or heroin abuse, was reported by 26.7% of the respondents. This aligns with global trends where marijuana is often cited as the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide [6]. The abuse of prescription medications was reported by 23.9% of respondents, which is a significant concern due to the potential for addiction and overdose, particularly with opioids and benzodiazepine [15]. Additionally, 25.4% of respondents reported abusing synthetic drugs, such as synthetic cannabinoids or synthetic cathinones (e.g., bath salts), which can have unpredictable effects and pose serious health risks [8]. It is noteworthy that 13.8% of respondents indicated a lack of knowledge about commonly abused drugs. This suggests that despite the high overall awareness, there remains a subset of graduate students who may lack education about substance abuse, highlighting an area for targeted awareness efforts. Overall, the data highlights a concerning prevalence of substance abuse among graduate students, with alcohol, cocaine, and heroin being the most commonly abused substances reported. It is possible that female students are more likely to recognize the names of certain drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana due to exposure from various sources, including social media, educational programs, or discussions within their social circles. These platforms and interactions may contribute to their familiarity with these substances, even if they do not personally engage in their abuse. The respondents displayed a strong understanding of drug abuse, recognizing its potential health and social consequences. Commonly mentioned effects included physical health deterioration, mental health issues like addiction and psychosis, social ramifications such as strained relationships and legal troubles, and negative impacts on academic or professional life [3]. This awareness underscores the multifaceted nature of substance misuse and its broad-reaching effects on
individuals and society, providing a foundation for comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies aimed at addressing drug abuse and mitigating its adverse outcomes. Comparing these findings with previous studies [6] [8] we observe similar trends in substance use among university students, highlighting factors like peer pressure, academic stress, and easy availability of drugs. This consistency with existing literature reinforces the validity of our findings and underscores the need for targeted interventions in educational settings to address these issues effectively.
The data suggests that respondents recognize drug and
substance abuse as a significant issue among young
adults in their community or college/university, with a
considerable percentage considering it "significant" or
"very significant” which is shown in Fig. 4. This
underscores the perceived severity of the problem within
the surveyed population. These findings align with
previous studies indicating the prevalence of substance
abuse in university settings [6] [8]. Regarding the
impact of drug abuse on individuals and communities,
respondents provided diverse perspectives as represented
in Fig. 5. Common themes included physical health
deterioration, such as addiction-related diseases and
weakened immune systems, and mental health issues
like anxiety, depression, and psychosis. These health
concerns are consistent with findings in existing literature
that highlight the severe health risks associated with
substance abuse [3] [5]. Social consequences identified by
respondents included strained relationships with family
and friends, social isolation, and impaired social
skills. Economic consequences were also mentioned,
including loss of income, increased healthcare costs, and
reduced productivity. These socioeconomic impacts
are well-documented in substance abuse research,
underscoring the broad-reaching effects of drug abuse on
society [7].
Legal ramifications were another significant concern, with
respondents noting issues such as arrests, legal fees, and incarceration. This highlights the intersection of substance abuse with the criminal justice system, which is
a critical area for policy and intervention [8]. Disruptions in academic or professional pursuits were frequently mentioned, including poor academic performance,
dropouts, and job loss. These disruptions reflect the
adverse impact of substance abuse on educational
and career trajectories, emphasizing the need for
supportive services within educational institutions [6].
Overall, the data reflects a widespread recognition
of the significance of drug abuse, an understanding
of its impact on individuals and communities, and
personal experiences with this issue among the surveyed
population. These findings emphasize the need for
comprehensive approaches to address drug abuse
effectively, encompassing prevention, education,
intervention, and support services.
The data suggests a significant level of awareness among respondents regarding programs, initiatives, or resources related to drug abuse prevention and support within their college/university or community, with 77% being cognizant of such efforts. This indicates a proactive approach to addressing substance misuse, with individuals actively seeking out available resources
and support mechanisms. This aligns with previous
studies emphasizing the importance of awareness and
preventive measures in combating substance abuse [
Furthermore, the presence of support groups within the college/university or community setting provides a network for individuals to share their experiences and gain support from peers facing similar challenges. This peer support is often instrumental in promoting
recovery and reducing the stigma associated with
seeking help for substance abuse [5]. The awareness and utilization of available programs suggest a willingness among the surveyed population to engage with the
issue of drug abuse and actively seek solutions. This
proactive stance is critical for the effectiveness of
preventive and supportive interventions, as it indicates
an openness to accessing and benefiting from the
resources provided. Comparing these findings with
previous studies, it is evident that the availability and
awareness of preventive and support programs are
crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of substance
abuse. The studies also highlight the significance of
comprehensive educational and support mechanisms in
reducing substance use among university students
[6],[8].
The data indicates a proactive stance among respondents
regarding drug abuse prevention and awareness efforts. A
notable percentage reported taking personal actions to
address drug abuse in their college, university or
community. These actions likely included organizing
educational events, participating in advocacy campaigns,
or supporting initiatives aimed at reducing substance
misuse. This proactive engagement reflects a commitment
to addressing drug abuse at a grassroots level, which is
crucial for effective prevention and intervention strategies
[6].
Additionally, a majority of respondents expressed interest in furthering their knowledge about drug abuse prevention and awareness programs, signaling a desire for continued education and involvement in
addressing this issue. This interest in ongoing education is
supported by the Theory of Planned Behavior, which
emphasizes the role of knowledge and attitudes in
shaping behavioral intentions [12]. The commitment to both individual and collective efforts suggests a
proactive and engaged approach within the surveyed
population. This aligns with previous research indicating
that active involvement in prevention and awareness
activities can significantly enhance the effectiveness of
substance abuse interventions [15]. By participating in these efforts, respondents are not only increasing their own knowledge and resilience but also contributing to a broader culture of awareness and prevention
within their communities. Comparing these findings
with previous studies, it is evident that personal and
collective actions are integral to combating substance
abuse. Research by Murthy et al. [8] and SAMHSA [3] underscores the importance of community engagement and advocacy in reducing the prevalence of substance misuse. These studies highlight that when individuals take an active role in prevention and support initiatives, the
overall impact on drug abuse reduction is significantly
enhanced.
The findings of this survey indicate that graduation-level female students possess a moderate to high level of knowledge about drug abuse, with awareness of commonly abused substances. They recognize the
significance of drug abuse as an issue among young adults
and generally understand its consequences. Many have
encountered situations related to drug abuse and are
interested in learning more about prevention and
awareness programs. The report suggests that there is
potential for further education and awareness initiatives in
addressing drug abuse among this demographic. It is
recommended that educational institutions and relevant
organizations take note of the survey findings to tailor
programs and resources that meet the specific needs and
interests of these students.
Recommendations-
Enhanced Awareness Programs: Develop and promote
awareness programs related to drug abuse tailored for
graduation-level female students, highlighting the
consequences and prevention strategies.
Resource Dissemination: Increase awareness of existing
programs and resources, ensuring students are informed
about the support available.
Personal Action Promotion: Encourage and support students in taking personal actions to raise awareness and prevent drug abuse.
Interdisciplinary Initiatives: Promote interdisciplinary collaboration to address drug abuse comprehensively.
Acknowledgment: I would like to thank all the
participants for their valuable contributions to this
survey and Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana,
Punjab.
Authorship contribution: This survey was conducted by single person and the whole document was prepared
single handed.
Funding: Not funded by any agency.
Conflict of interest: No any conflict of interest.
Declaration: It is an original data and has neither been sent elsewhere nor published anywhere.
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[© 2024 Monita Dhiman] This is an Open Access article published in the "Graduate Journal of Interdisciplinary Research,Reports & Reviews" (Grad.J.InteR3) by Vyom Hans Publications. It is published with a Creative Commons Attribution -CC-BY4.0 International License. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original author and source are credited.
