Consumption of Illicit Psychoactive Substances for Recreation among Students of Age 15-25

Substance abuse in college campuses is not a hidden practice and is well received by the students to escalate it very fast. Illicit drug addiction may be one of the most dangerous types of addictions. In general, illicit drugs are those that are illegal to make, sell, or use and include a long list of items which are psychoactive, highly addictive and pose serious health risks, even when taken in small doses. The aim of this study was to explore the illicit use of psychoactive substances among college students between ages 15 to 25 years studying in Karachi, Pakistan and add to our understanding of other associated factors with illicit use of these substances. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan in the year 2015. Using educational framework, the scope of the frequency of drug use among teens and youth was studied. A standardized multiple-choice and open-ended questionnaire was completed by 600 students from different institutes. The questionnaire was focused on frequency, accessibility and type of substance use, age at which the abuse started, monthly expenditure, dependence upon drug, and if the individual is aware of the toxic dose illicit substance use. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22 and Microsoft excel. The prevalence of illicit drug use among students was found to be 54%. The frequency of consumption of the drugs by these students was weekly (31%), daily (27%), monthly (22%) and 20% consumed it only once a year. Most of them started drug consumption at age between 15-19 years. Most frequently used substances among university students were Marijuana (34%), alcohol (23%), cocaine (14%), heroin (12%), ecstasy (11%) and solvent (6%). More than one drug was used by 35% of the respondents. Students admitted easy accessibility of their substances of choice through friends (47%), dealers (36%), and over the counter (17%). They spent Rs.500 to Rs.3000 per month on drugs. The awareness about lethal dose among students was found to be very high (89%). Consumption of illicit psychoactive substances is widely prevalent affecting more than half of the students of age 15-25 studying in different educational institutes of Karachi. Most common substances consumed were marijuana and alcohol. Most of the students get drugs through their friends. There is a need to educate and create awareness about illicit drug use among the students and the community at large.