Exploring the Root Causes of Drug Addiction in Government Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges of Haripur

Abstract

Drug addiction among young students in educational institutions has emerged as a critical social and public health concern in Pakistan. This study investigates the root causes of substance abuse among college students in Haripur District by examining various socio-economic, psychological, and institutional factors. Key drivers such as peer pressure, academic stress, family dynamics, and easy accessibility to drugs were explored. A total of 320 students were selected using a stratified random sampling technique from four major public colleges (three male and one female) in the district. To gain deeper insight into the personal experiences and motivations behind drug use, 40 purposively selected case studies were also conducted. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using both statistical and thematic analysis methods. Reliability of the survey instrument was confirmed through a pilot test (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.81). The findings reveal an alarming trend of rising drug use among students, exacerbated by institutional neglect, social permissiveness, and lack of parental engagement. This investigation recommends increased parental involvement, targeted prevention strategies, and counseling programs at institutional level to address the growing threat of substance abuse among students in educational institutes.