Assam adolescent substance use risk spikes in Guwahati schools, study finds

A new Lancet Regional Health–Southeast Asia study of more than 6,000 adolescents across 108 government and private schools in six Indian districts found that 21.4% are at moderate‑to‑high risk of substance use. Schools in Guwahati and Deoghar showed the highest risk levels, with a 35.1‑percentage‑point gap between Guwahati and Nagpur. Researchers linked the elevated risk to factors such as easy access to substances, greater digital exposure and risky environments, while stronger social engagement appeared protective. The study recommends stricter regulatory enforcement and targeted prevention programs.

Separately, a letter to the editor highlighted a surge in drug seizures in Assam, including 10,000 Yaba tablets and large quantities of cough syrup and heroin near the Bangladesh border. The writer urges the state to establish affordable rehabilitation and counselling centres, increase school‑based awareness, and provide coordinated support for affected families, calling the situation a serious public‑health emergency.