DefinePK

Abstract

This research examines the attitude and reason behind substance abuse in adolescents based on the findings of students, parents, and teachers in District Lasbela, Pakistan. In This paper explores the perception and the root cause of smoking among teens in the District Lasbela, on the topic of smokeless used drugs, including pan, gutka, chalia, and mava. Through a mixed-methodology, the study surveyed 450 secondary school students and held in-depth interviews with 47 stakeholders, such as parents, teachers and head teachers. A mixed-methods design was provided to conduct surveys of students (n=450) and interviews with teachers, parents, and head teachers (n=47). The results indicate that peer pressure, family modelling, cultural normalization and the easy access to substances around school grounds are major factors leading to adolescent consumption. Also, Results show that pan, gutka, chalia and mava are the most popular substances. Peer influence, family modelling, cultural acceptance, and easy accessibility in the areas adjacent to schools are some root causes. Educationists and parents are viewing substance use as an increasing educational and health epidemic. The research indicates the necessity of family, school, and community-based intervention the lack of parental control, educational pressure, and non-existence of institutional regulations contribute to the problem. Concerns among the stakeholders such as educators and parents are increasing regarding the educational and health consequences of substance use and are seeing it as an emerging epidemic. The paper has highlighted the desperate necessity of multi-level interventions that include families, schools, communities, and local merchants as the most effective means of reducing and treating adolescent substance abuse.