A Problem of Substance Abuse in India: Causes and Consequences

India is entangled in a never-ending cycle of substance abuse, with the number of abusers rising daily. Substance abuse is being encouraged by shifting cultural norms, worsening economic conditions, and dwindling social ties. This paper has analyzed the nature and extent of substance abuse in India. This paper is based on secondary sources. Many research papers, articles and relevant literature have been reviewed to inculcate related data. Peer pressure, unemployment, professional factors, delay in treatment and parental denial are some of the causes and it affects the society in many ways. Substance abuse involved negative economic repercussions on people, the community, and the government. Use of drugs by the general public has many detrimental societal repercussions, such as unstable family relations, domestic abuse, an increased risk of criminality in one’s life, and a weakened sense of belonging to one’s family and community. A firm political determination, community engagement, implementation of laws can be helpful to curb this social problem.