1 year ago
Meghalaya Study: Drug Use Starts as Early as Age 10
A new study in Meghalaya found that young people are starting to use drugs much earlier than in other places, like age 10.
The average age when someone starts is 19.
Most users are men, and many don't have much schooling.
Heroin is the most common drug, and it costs a lot of money each day.
People start using drugs because they are curious, have problems at home, or feel pressured.
Getting drugs is easy.
Experts worry that starting young makes addiction more likely.
They suggest helping kids in schools and communities to prevent this.
Study reveals drug use initiation as early as age 10 in Meghalaya.
Mean age of initiation is 19, with a third starting as minors.
Heroin is the most frequently injected drug, costing users Rs 500-2,500 daily.
Curiosity, family problems, peer pressure, and stress relief are reasons cited for drug use.
Researchers recommend outreach in educational institutions to address the trend.
- Who
- Researchers from the Indian Institute of Public Health, Shillong, and the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society surveyed 128 people.
- What
- Study reveals early drug use initiation in Meghalaya.
- Where
- Meghalaya, India.
- When
- The study was published in the April-June 2025 edition.
- Why
- Curiosity, family problems, peer pressure, and stress relief are cited as reasons for starting drug use.
Key facts
- Mean Age of Initiation
- 19 years
- Age of First Use (reported)
- As early as 10 years
- Primary Drug
- Heroin
- Study Publication
- Indian Journal of Public Health, April-June 2025
- Gender of Users
- Over 91% male
- Daily Heroin Cost
- Rs 500 to Rs 2,500
