author(s)
Sandeep Kumar Shandilya, Mohit KumarManoj, Kumar Gautam, Ramiz Raza, Manesh Chandel, Sujata, Jyotsana and Nadish

abstract
Substance abuse refers to use of drugs, alcohol and any other mind – altering agent to such an extent that it interferes with the person’s biological, psychological, or social integrity. Substance abuse is growing problem throughout the world and unfortunately this is more common among young children and adolescents. Some teenagers regularly use drugs or alcohol to compensate for anxiety, depression, or a lack of positive social skills. Teen use of tobacco and alcohol should be minimized because they can be “gate way drugs” for other drugs (marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin).1 Prevalence of substance abuse is high among adolescents as they are keen to experiment the drugs to fulfill their curiosity. If their experimentation could be prevented by making them aware about the abuse & its consequences, the prevalence of the substance abuse can be reduced. According to NDDTC, AIIMS submits report “Magnitude of Substance use in India” to M/O Social Justice & Empowerment. At the national level, about 14.6% of people (among 10-75 year old) are current users of alcohol, i.e. about 16 Crore people. Prevalence is 17 times higher among men than women. About 2.8% of Indians (3.1 Crore individuals) report having used any cannabis product within past 12 months (Bhang – 2% or 2.2 crore people; Ganja/Charas – 1.2% or 1.3 Crore people).At the national level, the most common opioid used is Heroin, (current use 1.14%) followed by Pharmaceutical opioids (current use 0.96%) and then Opium (current use 0.52%).About 1.08% of 10-75 year old Indians (approximately 1.18 crore people) are current users of sedatives (non-medical, non-prescription use).Cocaine (0.10%) Amphetamine Type Stimulants (0.18%) and Hallucinogens (0.12%) are the categories with lowest prevalence of current use in India.2The latest National Sample Survey (NSS) data, put out in January 2014, have revealed a stark reality: The proportion of child labor in Gujarat in both urban and rural areas is one of the highest in India which leads to substance abuse specially alcoholism.