A survey of school students in 10 Indian cities has found that substance use commonly begins between ages 12 and 13, indicating the need for early intervention.

Researchers from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, reported that each year of delayed initiation lowers the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.

The study covered more than 5,900 students from grades eight, nine, 11 and 12 in urban-government, urban-private and rural schools across cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Students answered questions on the pattern and frequency of substance use, as well as the age at which they first used tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, inhalants, sedatives and opioids.

The study, published in the National Medical Journal of India, found an average initiation age of 12.9 years. Researchers said this aligns with previous Indian findings and is lower than several international reports. They said the results point to the need for preventive measures before students enter middle school.

According to the study, students in grades 11 and 12 were twice as likely to report having ever used substances compared with those in grade eight. Fifteen per cent of students reported using a substance at least once, and 10 per cent said they had used one in the past year.

The authors noted that about one-fourth of participants reported high levels of family conflict. Previous research has linked negative family environments with increased risk of substance use during adolescence.

The researchers recommended a school-based prevention and intervention programme that includes drug education, refusal skills and normative education delivered through interactive sessions. They said children at risk should be identified, screened and offered psychological support, with guidance on coping with family and life stresses.

As most reported consumption was occasional, the authors said school-based management with counsellor involvement and brief interventions would be appropriate.

Inputs from PTI

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