GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

Youth substance misuse has spread widely and has serious repercussions for society's safety and mental health. Teenagers who experiment with drugs and alcohol are more likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety, sadness, and behavioural issues. They are also more likely to get involved in or become victims of sexual violence, including rape. Substance abuse and mental health problems combine to make young people more vulnerable by affecting their judgement, lowering their self-control, and changing how they perceive consent. This study critically looks at the different kinds of substance usage, how it affects young people's mental health, and how it directly relates to rising rape rates. It makes the case for a comprehensive strategy that combines legal initiatives, mental health treatment, and prevention in order to solve this epidemic. Society can start to end the cycle of substance misuse and lessen its terrible impacts on both individuals and communities by placing a high priority on education, early intervention, and community support. In addition to concluding that governments and stakeholders should provide easily accessible, youth-friendly mental health resources to address underlying issues like depression, anxiety, and trauma that frequently contribute to substance misuse, the study also found that the effects of drugs and alcohol on adolescent development can result in a variety of psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and impulsivity, which in turn contribute to heightened vulnerability to risky behaviours.

KEYWORDS: Prevalence, Substance Abuse, Youths, Implications, Mental Health, Rape Cases and Society