Pattern of Substance Use among Adolescents with Mental Illness

Background of the Study: Substance use among adolescents with mental illnesses can complicate their treatment and overall well-being. Substance use among adolescent’s ranges from sporadic use to severe substance use disorders. The acute and long-term consequences range from minimal to life-threatening, depending on the substance, the circumstances, and the frequency of use. This study aims to understand the pattern of substance use among adolescents with mental illnesses seeking treatment. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. 120 consenting subjects were recruited via convenience sampling from Child and Adolescent Psychiatry OPD at selected hospital. The pattern of substance use among adolescents with mental illness was measured using the questionnaire developed by the researcher. SPSS Version-25 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results of the study show substance use was significant among adolescents seeking treatment at tertiary care mental health hospital with Tobacco being the most common (98.3%) used substance, followed by alcohol (37.5%) and cannabis (4.2%). Most of the subjects reported that they began using Tobacco between ages 13 and 16, predominantly in the form of cigarettes (89.0%). However, alcohol was the first substance initiated, and a statistically significant association was observed between current functioning level and alcohol use [X 2 = 15.772, P = 0.015]. Conclusion: These findings underscore the urgent need for early detection, integrated care, and substance-focused interventions in adolescent mental health treatment.