Breaking the Chain:
Drug Abuse Among
Teenagers
Addressing the silent rise of drug abuse among vulnerable teenagers in
India.
Understanding the Landscape
Recent Data & Facts Science Behind Drug Abuse
Latest reports indicate over 2.5 lakh teenagers are linked to Drug abuse stems from factors like peer pressure, family neglect,
substance abuse (NCRB 2024). Initiatives like Nasha Mukt Bharat stress, and media influence. It significantly alters brain chemistry,
Abhiyan (20203Present) actively work towards a drug-free youth. leading to anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Consequences
include poor academics, damaged relationships, and severe
addiction.
Solutions to Break the Chain
Technological Environmental Government
Innovations Initiatives Actions &
Implement AI Enforce "drug-free
Policies
counseling apps for zones" near schools with Expand government-
personalized support increased policing. funded de-addiction
and anonymous mental Upgrade community centers and launch
health chat platforms for centers for supervised, mandatory school
immediate guidance. healthy activities. awareness drives.
Strengthen police
efforts against drug
supply networks.
Scientific Concepts & Problem
Statement
Neuroscience Psychology Public Health Behavioral
Science
Drugs' effect on brain's Role of peer influence and Addiction as an epidemic.
reward system. stress. Risk-taking in adolescence.
<How do peer pressure and lack of awareness contribute to rising drug abuse among teenagers, and how can schools and
communities prevent it?=
Our Objectives
1 Impact on Teens
Show how drugs affect teen brains and behavior.
2 Real-World Insights
Highlight real cases and statistics.
3 Propose Solutions
Suggest solutions through awareness and support systems.
Designing Our Activity
Survey Awareness Campaign
We'll conduct a Google Form survey with 50 classmates to assess their perceptions Our multi-faceted campaign aims to educate, empower, and encourage healthy
and understanding of drug abuse. This baseline data will tailor our awareness choices among teenagers.
campaign.
Poster display: "Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Life." Visually compelling posters
Knowledge of drug abuse: Evaluate understanding of drugs, effects, risks, and with positive messages and facts will be displayed school-wide.
misconceptions. Skit: Showing peer pressure and support. An impactful theatrical performance
Perceived peer pressure: Explore feelings on social influences, resistance, and will dramatize peer pressure scenarios and positive intervention.
support networks. Chart: "Brain on Drugs" vs "Healthy Brain." An infographic will visually illustrate
Awareness of mental health: Gauge understanding of mental health issues, differences in brain function and structure using simple scientific concepts.
coping, and resources, linking well-being to substance use. Interactive Q&A Session: An open forum post-skit and chart for anonymous
Attitudes towards seeking help: Understand barriers and facilitators for seeking questions, fostering safe discussion.
help with substance abuse or mental health. Resource Handouts: Provide pamphlets with contact info for helplines, de-
addiction centers, and mental health support.
Survey results will directly inform our initiatives.
Presentation Elements
Brain Chemistry & Multifaceted Impact Anonymous Teen
Impact Chart Infographic Testimonials
A comparative chart illustrating the An infographic detailing the multifaceted Compelling, anonymous narratives from
neural pathways and cognitive functions consequences of drug abuse, including real teenagers affected by drug abuse,
in a healthy adolescent brain versus one altered brain chemistry, mental health offering raw insights into peer pressure,
affected by substance abuse, issues (anxiety, depression, psychosis), addiction struggles, and pathways to
emphasizing the long-term changes. and academic decline. recovery to provide real-world insights.
Preparation & Practice
Research & Content: Aarya & Dev will lead Survey & Visuals: Anaya & Rishabh will manage Skit & Explanation: Aditya & Sana will prepare Rehearse in front of peers: Regular rehearsals
research for the "Brain Chemistry & Impact the Google Form survey, analyze responses, and perform the skit on peer pressure, will refine the skit and transitions, building
Chart," "Multifaceted Impact Infographic," and and create visuals for the "Brain on Drugs" chart demonstrating positive intervention and confidence in explaining scientific concepts
all educational materials. and "Multifaceted Impact Infographic." explaining coping and support strategies. and sharing personal stories.
Integrate anonymous testimonials:
Incorporate compelling narratives from real
teenagers to create an emotional connection
and provide relatable insights into addiction
struggles and recovery.
Why This Issue Matters
Rising Concern Scientific Insights Societal Impact
Drug abuse is silently increasing in schools, Drugs profoundly affect the limbic system, the Understanding the complex interplay of brain
affecting vulnerable teenagers across diverse brain's reward circuit, which is still developing chemistry and adolescent development is vital for
demographics. This hidden crisis often goes rapidly during adolescence. Teen brains are crafting more effective treatments and prevention
unnoticed until it escalates, impacting academic uniquely sensitive to addiction due to this ongoing programs. This scientific insight enables evidence-
performance, social relationships, and overall well- development, making them more susceptible to based interventions that address root causes of
being. Early intervention and awareness are crucial. craving and compulsive drug seeking. addiction, leading to healthier communities.
Understanding these neurological vulnerabilities is Prevention reduces burden on healthcare systems
key to targeted prevention. and fosters a supportive environment.
