Normalization of Substance Use on Indian Campuses

Scraper
Apr 4
3 min read

Being candid, it's no secret that college is where most of us meet freedom, and sometimes, our vices. While that late night chai and dorm room impromtu therapy w/ friends may be the highlight of your 20s, there's a darker undercurrent across indian campuses that's not being talked about enough. Substance use, mental health, and the dangerous hush culture around both.

A Culture of Silence Hiding in Plain Sight

Indian colleges are no strangers to stress: academic pressure, performance anxiety, parental expectations, and career confusion. But what happens when these unspoken stressors spiral? According to the UNODC, there's been a steady uptick in substance experimentation among youth aged 18-25 in India. However, national data often underrepresents this demographic due to campus specific research.

Skeleton leaning over a messy desk with a laptop, sticky notes, and scattered pencils. A notebook reads "S.O.S." Nearby are crumpled papers. — Credit: Tara Winstead

In a 2023 study published in the Indian Journal of Mental Health, over 52% of surveyed college students in metropolitan areas admitted to using alcohol, cannabis, or prescription stimulants to cope w/ academic and social pressures. but what's louder than the numbers is the silence. "People only talk about it after a tragedy," notes one report. The normal is performative well being; the real is buried under peer pressure and fear of social rejection.

Dual Diagnosis are Becoming the Norm, Not the Exception

Understanding Dual Diagnosis is probably to the date has been the most interesting concept to learn about working at AHC. When Mental illness and substance use co-exist. Globally, students dealing w/ anxiety and depression are more likely to self medicare. That's not a guess, it's backed by the Recovery Research Institute, which found that college students are less likely than the general population to seek formal treatment.

In India, seeking help is not just a financial question; it's a cultural one. Terms like 'nasahadi, pagal, and rehabilitation still carry shame, making early intervention rare. Institutions like Alpha Healing Center offer more integrated and confidential support for young adults. Merging clinical therapy w/ holistic rehab practices, something that traditional universites have yet to embrace.

The Party Starts Before the Alarm Bells Ring

India's campus parties may not look like an american frat house, but everyone one knows 'dry day' is a myth in hostels. Yet, alcohol and drug use among indian students remain heavily underreported, until it escalates into an incident.

Student views on the matter?

"Most of us don't see it as addiction. It's just the vibes."

Six friends sit on a wooden floor, sharing pizza and drinks in a cozy room. Relaxed vibe with warm lighting and casual attire. — What a typical hang could be like

Unfortunately, this causal take often delays treatment A 2023 Stanford Report on campus substance use notes that early use, even when non dependent, can impact academic outcomes, risk mental health decline & increase, chances of risky behaviour.

Prevention Still Has A Branding Problem

The Haven at College, a US program offering peer led prevention models, reported stronger engagement when they stopped using the word 'rehab'. Its about community and care, not control. In india, the narrative is slowly shifting thanks to online therapy and awareness campaigns, but prevention programs are still few and far between.

Alpha Healing Center runs education and family integration programs that could serve as models for indian campuses, but aside from the rehab centers. Universities need to stop using NDPS Act rules as a band aid and start investing into prevention based education.

Reflections for Fellow Indians

At the end of the day, Gen Z isn't running from the truth. We're just tired of not being heard. We talk about self care, boundaries and therapy on our exams and presentations, but we still whisper about 'that guy who went away in middle of 2nd year'. What is we didn't have to whisper anymore?

To parents & Institutions: It's time to move beyond drug tests and curfews.

To Students: Keep asking for better, You're not the problem, you're the generation refusing to let silence be the answer.

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