Substance abuse among Indian youth: A narrative review of epidemiology, risk factors, prevention, and the role of homoeopathy

In India, substance misuse among young people is becoming one of the most significant social, psychological, and medical issues. Due to shifting lifestyles, peer pressure, emotional stress, unemployment, and media influence, adolescents and young people are more frequently exposed to alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cannabis, inhalants, and synthetic drugs.1 Substance addiction has a negative impact on social productivity, education, family connections, mental health, and physical health. Chronic abuse causes dependence, mental illness, criminal activity, violence, mishaps, and financial strain on society. Because the adolescent brain is still developing, especially in the areas connected to judgment, impulse control, and emotional regulation, youth are especially vulnerable.17 Neurotransmitter pathways are altered and compulsive behaviour patterns are reinforced by repeated exposure to addictive substances. To lower the prevalence of addiction, prevention techniques such as family support, counselling, rehabilitation, and awareness initiatives are crucial.2 The holistic and customised approach of homoeopathy may be useful in treating the psychological and emotional disorders linked to addiction. When it comes to treating cravings, withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, depression, and constitutional susceptibility, homeopathic drugs might be regarded as helpful interventions. The epidemiology, frequently abused substances, causes, effects, prevention, rehabilitation, and homoeopathic scope of substance misuse among Indian youngsters are all covered in this article.8