CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF DRUG ADDICTION AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Drug addiction cannot simply be regarded as a result of weak willpower or moral failure; rather, it is a complex health disorder that requires consistent and long-term treatment similar to other chronic illnesses. For individuals who have never experienced substance abuse, it is often difficult to comprehend why someone would intentionally expose themselves to harmful substances. However, there are multiple underlying factors that push individuals toward drug use, and the consequences are often devastating, leading to severe social, psychological, and physical damage. Substance abuse has emerged as one of the leading causes of preventable deaths, illnesses, and disabilities worldwide. In this context, the present study seeks to explore the major factors contributing to drug addiction and to highlight possible measures that can safeguard the future of Pakistan’s youth.