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Authors: Rajubhai Popat Odedra, Divya Gaur, Swami Buddhatmananda Saraswati
Keywords: Arshavidya program, Substance abuse, Adolescents, Community intervention
Abstract: Substance abuse remains a critical problem in both developed and developing countries. Under privileged communities where health and economic system is weakest, use of drugs and illicit substances starts during adolescence and young adulthood. This not only affects physical development, mental health and social integration, but also family formation and stability, deviant behaviour, sexual behaviour and involvement, educational pursuits, livelihood pursuits. Therefore, the need for preventive education at an impressionable age should be emphasized. The present study was part of the Global Research Initiative of Arshavidya where adolescents with substance abuse were recruited from the community centres and primary care. All participants underwent 18-weeks of Arshavidya intervention program, a unique and well-planned teaching program developed to teach Indian cultural values and heritage to young children and adults with yoga, chants, religious and spiritual practices through stories, group activities and plays. After the program, the impact that was reported in the intervention group compared to waitlist control were significant in overall well being, percentage of days abstinent of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and withdrawal symptoms. The community program with integrated approach could be helpful for taking young children off the drug and substance abuse. However, further long term results are needed.