Why does a youngster start taking drugs or drinking alcohol?

Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement and experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivates youngsters towards drug and alcohol use.

A child's natural curiosity motivates him/her to experiment, which complicates further by effects that might be perceived as benefits, of alcohol or drug use.

Thus the first use of alcohol or drug may be out of curiosity or experimentation, but later the child starts using these to escape facing problems.

Stress from pressures to excel in academics or examinations, has played significant role persuading youngsters to try alcohol and drugs.

The perception among youth that it is 'cool' or progressive to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, is also in a way a major cause for youth to start these habits.

Television, movies, newspaper, internet also help to promote this perception.

Factors that have been seen to be associated with drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents are unstable or unsupportive family structures and peer pressure.