Psychosocial Repercussions of Substance Abuse in Young Adult Males: A Comparative Analysis between Substance abuser and non-user

Abstract

In India, substance misuse is becoming increasingly prevalent. Individuals seek substances and addictive behaviors for a variety of reasons: anxiety, escape, or possibly true physiological addiction established as a result of persistent use. However, in doing so, they may have negative effects on themselves and the people around them. However, there are others who do not abuse substances. To determine the cause of the disparity, this study was done. The aim of this study was to compare non-drug abusers and substance abusers on a variety of criteria, including coping mechanisms, optimism, gratification, self-concept, self-efficacy, and ostracism, in order to ascertain the differences between the two groups. The study involved 200 male subjects (N=200) ranging in age from 18 to 28 years, 100 of who were non-substance abusers and 100 of whom were diagnosed as individuals with substance use disorder. The current study is a modest attempt to establish distinctions between the two groups based on a range of parameters. The findings revealed that people with substance use disorders experienced more ostracism and used more avoidant coping strategies. In addition to this, it was discovered that they had a negative outlook on life, a poor sense of self-worth, a low capacity for delaying gratification, and a low self-concept. In contrast, individuals without substance use disorder scored well in problem-focused coping, self-efficacy, and self-concept, were more optimistic, and measured high delayed gratification.