A STUDY ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG THE YOUTH IN UMPHYRNAI VILLAGE, EAST KHASI HILLS DISTRICT, MEGHALAYA

Abstract:

Substance abuse is the excessive use of a substance, particularly alcohol or a drug. This is a curse which is quite rampant in substance, particularly alcohol or a drug. This is a curse which is quite rampant in society, and many young people are becoming victims of it. This research is basically a study on substance abuse among the youth in Umphyrnai village, East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya. This article has the following objectives: 1) to examine the socio-economic status of the youth who are involved in substance abuse; 2) to explore the internal and external factors that lead to substance abuse among the youth; and 3) to understand the perception of the youth towards consuming substance abuse. This study employed primary data collection using an interview schedule, observation, and focus group discussions. A sample size of 50 boys (age group of 15–25 years) was chosen using the Snowball Sampling technique. The data collection was conducted using a questionnaire, which had 41 questions related to specific objectives of the study. The collected data was analysed and interpreted with the help of SPSS. The study revealed that the vast majority of respondents are very much aware of the negative consequences of smoking and drinking and believe that these habits adversely affect their physical, mental, and social lives. Substance abuse results in poor self-image, interferes with daily routine, and leads to huge financial loss.