Substance Abuse Common Among Students in Bhutan

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2025-09-11 04:04:10 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 12:44:40

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Bhutan has recently been grappling with a rising substance abuse issue amongst its youth. With a growing number of addiction cases being reported, especially among students, the impact of this problem is no longer hidden.

A recent survey by Gross National Happiness (GNH) Centre, in collaboration with the Monk Body, revealed that 64% of the students surveyed had experienced substance abuse problems. Additionally, 37.5% of the respondents claimed to be aware of innovation abuse, mental abuse, and community mental health abuse. This article will provide more details on the findings of this survey and the subsequent responses from experts.

The survey interviewed beneficiaries and respondents from Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, and Bumthang, including monks and nuns, teachers, and students. Some of the main causes of substance abuse cited by the respondents were easy access to alcohol, drugs, and other substances, as well as peer pressure, stress, and a lack of awareness of the dangers of substance abuse.

One of the most alarming findings of the survey was that most students who had signed up for addiction treatment programs did so not because they recognized they had a problem but because they were forced by their parents, teachers, or the police. This suggests that many young people are unaware of the detrimental effects of substance abuse or are in denial about their condition.

To combat this problem, the survey recommends increasing awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, including short-term and long-term health consequences and the potential for addiction. They also suggest educating students on coping mechanisms to deal with stress and peer pressure and providing support for students who may be struggling with substance abuse issues.

Although the issue of substance abuse is a complex social problem that will require ongoing attention and various strategies, it is clear that the problem is becoming more prevalent in Bhutan, primarily due to the ease of availability of substances and the influence of peers. The survey's findings and recommendations provide valuable insights that can help guide future prevention and intervention efforts to tackle this rising challenge.

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