Enhancing the welbeing of youth and implementing preventive measures for substances use addiction

"Enhancing the Wellbeing of Youth and Implementing Preventive Measures for Substance Use Addiction.

SUBSTANCES USE ADDICTION & WELLBEING OF YOUTH 

 

Author: Dr. Gokul R Krishnan

ISSUP Member, CRIAI Member, American Psychological Association Member, ACA Member, CADCA Member, GMHAN CIRCLE Member, CIVICUS Member.

Email- gokulhr61 [at] gmail [dot] com

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Youth wellbeing is a critical determinant of resilience against substance use and addiction. Rising trends in alcohol, e-cigarette, and cannabis use among adolescents highlight the urgent need for prevention strategies that go beyond awareness campaigns to holistic interventions. Drawing upon evidence from WHO, CDC, NIH, and regional studies, this paper explores the relationship between youth wellbeing and substance use, identifies protective and risk factors, and reviews evidence-based prevention strategies.

 

Introduction

 

Adolescence is a vulnerable period characterized by experimentation, risk-taking, and exposure to peer and social influences. Globally, substance use among youth remains a public health challenge. According to WHO (2024), 57% of 15-year-olds have consumed alcohol, while 32% have tried e-cigarettes, surpassing traditional cigarette use. In Sub-Saharan Africa, prevalence among adolescents is also concerning, with alcohol use at 11.3%, marijuana at 2%, and amphetamine use at 2.6% (BMC, 2023).

 

Literature Review

 

• Several theories explain the interplay of risk and protective factors in substance use:

 

• Resilience Theory emphasizes coping skills, self-esteem, and social support in buffering against risk behaviors.

 

• Social Learning Theory highlights the role of peer influence and modeling in substance use initiation.

 

• Ecological Systems Theory explains how family, school, and community contexts interact with individual factors to influence behavior.

 

 

Youth Wellbeing as a Protective Factor

 

Youth wellbeing encompasses mental, emotional, physical, social, and educational dimensions that serve as protective factors. Strengthening these areas reduces vulnerability to substances use.

 

Preventive Measures

 

• Preventive measures operate at multiple levels:

 

• Individual-Level: Life skills training, mental health support, peer mentorship.

 

• School-Based: Comprehensive programs such as life skills education, peer-led campaigns, and school counseling.

 

• Community-Level: Youth clubs, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities (e.g., VIHAAN Anti-Drug Campaign, India, 2025).

 

• Policy-Level: Restricting access to substances, regulating advertising, and ensuring youth protection policies.

 

Case Studies

 

• Several global case studies provide evidence of effective prevention:

 

• PROSPER Study (U.S.): Demonstrated lasting reductions in alcohol use into adulthood.

 

• Thailand Resilience Study: Found self-esteem, family support, and psychological flexibility increased resilience.

 

• Global Youth Declaration (2025): Based on insights from 1,100 youth across 64 countries, emphasized youth voices in shaping prevention polies.

 

Discussion

 

Despite global prevention efforts, disparities remain in access to programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Peer pressure, stigma, and digital influence exacerbate risks. However, integrating wellbeing-enhancement strategies with traditional prevention measures provides stronger protection than isolated campaigns.

 

Recommendations

 

1. Policy Integration: Embed youth wellbeing and prevention into national education and health systems.

 

 

2. School Engagement: Mandate life skills curricula and peer mentoring programs.

 

 

3. Community Empowerment: Develop safe spaces and recreational activities to divert youth from risky behaviors.

 

 

4. Family Involvement: Strengthen parental monitoring and communication training.

 

 

5. Youth Leadership: Empower youth ambassadors to co-create prevention strategies.

 

Conclusion

 

Enhancing youth wellbeing is not merely an adjunct to prevention; it is the foundation of resilience against substance use. Global evidence confirms that interventions targeting emotional, physical, social, and educational wellbeing—suppo