Youth Substance Abuse: Contrasting The Indian Experience With Developed Nations in Community Roles, Education, Legislation and Rehabilitation " The First and Greatest Victory Is To Conquer Yourself." — Plato

Abstract

This study explores how substance abuse among Indian youths reflects the Indian experience relative to those of developed countries by examining community, education, legislation, and rehabilitation roles. Utilising a broad spectrum of literature, theory, and comparative policy analysis, in this research, sociocultural factors, policy environments, and community structures are interrogated to determine how the youth substance abuse system unfolds across the world. With unique cultural dynamics, differential public awareness, and traditional vs. modern influences, India faces a dilemma between prevention and intervention strategies. In contrast, developed nations tend to have well-established community support arrangements, clear educational measures, and stringent legislation. This research provides an overview of the efficacy of these approaches and the failings with regard to the rehabilitation system in India, which has gaps and inconsistent enforcement of law in the country. It also describes best practices from the developed world that may assist India in formulating holistic strategies. Utilising both theoretical observations and lived experience, this study proposes interventions based on recommendations for better effective prevention, policy, and rehabilitation mechanisms tailored for the Indian environment and context. Therefore, this study will contribute to the international conversation surrounding youth substance abuse through a comparative and interpretative framework and will inform future research and practice.