Archive · 10 Dec 2025
Substance Abuse Among Students Starts At Age 12: AIIMS-Backed 10-City Survey
A big study with over 5,900 students from different cities in India found that kids start using substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs around the age of 12 or 13.
The study also found that the older the students get, the more likely they are to use these substances.
About 15% of the students had used substances at least once, and 10% had used them in the past year.
The study also found that kids who have a lot of fights and problems at home are more likely to use substances.
The researchers say that schools should teach kids about the dangers of drugs and how to say no, and also help kids who are having a hard time at home or in life.
This way, kids can learn to cope with their problems without turning to substances.
Students in India begin using substances between ages 12 and 13, according to a survey of over 5,900 students from 10 cities.
The average age of initiation for any substance use was 12.9 years, with a range of 11-14 years.
Substance use increases with higher grades, with grade 11/12 students being two times more likely to report substance use compared to grade 8 students.
Fifteen percent of participants reported substance use at least once, while 10% reported use in the past year.
The study recommends prevention and intervention programs, including drug education, drug refusal skills, and psychological support, to be implemented in schools.
- Who
- Students from grades 8, 9, 11, and 12 in 10 Indian cities
- What
- Survey on substance use initiation and patterns among students
- When
- The survey was conducted and published in the National Medical Journal of India
- Where
- Cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad
- Why
- To understand the age of initiation and patterns of substance use among students and to recommend prevention and intervention strategies
- Survey Scope
- 10 cities in India
- Number of Participants
- Over 5,900 students
- Average Age of Initiation
- 12.9 years (range 11-14 years)
- Percentage Reporting Substance Use
- 15%
- Percentage Reporting Recent Use
- 10%
- Key Findings
- Increased substance use with higher grades, family conflicts linked to substance use
- Recommended Interventions
- Drug education, drug refusal skills, normative education, psychological support