📄 Abstract
Substance use among young people is an important public health and social concern in Meghalaya. This study assessed awareness and attitudes toward substance use among youth aged 18–25 years in Shillong. A descriptive research design was employed using snowball sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire addressing substance use, perceived risk factors, awareness of rehabilitation services, prevention programmes, and attitudes toward government intervention. The results indicate that (21.74%) of respondents reported having used substances and (7.25%) reported regular use. Peer pressure was identified as a major contributing factor by (89.86%), while (56.52%) reported knowing someone in their social circle affected by substance abuse. Although (71.01%) were aware of rehabilitation centres, only (39.13%) considered support services adequate. Most respondents supported increased rehabilitation services (95.65%), stricter drug-related laws (94.20%), and additional school- and college-based awareness programmes (97.10%). Furthermore, 88.41% expressed willingness to participate in prevention programmes. The findings indicate a gap between general awareness and perceived adequacy of prevention and support services. Youth-focused, peer-led, family-based, and institutionally supported interventions may strengthen substance-use prevention in Shillong.
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📚 How to Cite:
Rituparna Rajendra, Marseillis Pohlong, Ainamlin Dkhar , AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD SUBSTANCE USE AMONG YOUTH IN SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY , Volume 12 , Issue 9, September 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 702 - 704 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra31664