Drug Abuse among Street Children in Dehra Block, Himachal Pradesh: A Quantitative Study of Socio-Demographic Determinants, Vulnerabilities, and Rehabilitation Needs

Abstract

Substance abuse among homeless children is a growing public health and social concern worldwide. Rapid urbanization, poverty, migration in search of employment, parental conflict, family disintegration, psychological distress, and peer influence often compel children to leave their homes and survive on the streets. The present quantitative study examined the psychological and social impact of substance abuse among 40 street children in Dehra Block, Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh. The findings revealed that 95% of the substance-abusing street children belonged to nuclear families, while only 5% came from joint families. Furthermore, eight participants reported having experienced arrest or imprisonment, primarily due to their involvement in violence, aggression, and other delinquent behaviour associated with substance use. The study highlights that substance abuse among street children has far-reaching consequences for individual health, public safety, and the socio-economic development of the nation. Although the Government of India and various non-governmental organizations have implemented rehabilitation and welfare programmes to improve the living conditions of street children, their overall impact remains limited. The findings further indicate that many street children become involved in petty crimes, such as theft, snatching, and other minor offences, as a means of survival, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive preventive, rehabilitative, and community-based interventions.