A STUDY ON THE MENACE OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN KOTTAKAL MUNICIPALITY

Adolescent drug abuse is a significant societal issue, influenced by peer pressure, curiosity, and stress, and is particularly prevalent among youth aged 16 to 25. This demographic is experimenting with a range of substances, from cigarettes and alcohol to harder drugs like cocaine and heroin, posing a threat to their health and future. Understanding the patterns, motivations, and consequences of drug use among adolescents is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies, as this stage of rapid development makes them especially vulnerable to substance abuse.