Substance use peaks among medicos- 36 percent at Indore's Index Medical College found using alcohol, tobacco, drugs: Study

Indore: Out of 400 medical students surveyed at Index Medical College, Indore, 36 percent were found to be using alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, while 44 percent admitted to having tried them at least once, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Research.

The cross-sectional study, led by Dr Piyush Dwivedi, a junior resident in the Psychiatry Department at Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, surveyed 400 medical students, including both undergraduates and postgraduates, to understand the prevalence, patterns and the reason behind the current substance use.

Of these, 144 students were found to have used some sort of substance in the past six months, while 176 students had experimented with or consumed substances at least once in their lives. The prevalence among undergraduates was lower compared to postgraduate residents.

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Among the substances, alcohol was the most frequently consumed substance, reported by 101 participants (47.2% of users) followed by followed by smoked tobacco in 57 students (26.6%), chewable tobacco in 20 students (9.3%), cannabis in 17 students (7.9%), and prescription sedatives in 7 students (3.3%). A small proportion (12 students, 5.6%) reported the use of other substances, including inhalants and unspecified illicit drugs.

The study revealed that substance use increased with academic seniority. Among first-year students, 12 out of 60 reported current use (20%), while in second-year students, the figure rose to 18 out of 60 (30%). The third and fourth years reported 34/60 (56.7%) and 40/60 (66.7%), respectively.

Shockingly, the substance use peaked among interns and postgraduate students as the study revealed that Interns exhibited the highest prevalence among undergraduates, with 56 out of 60 (93.3%) and postgraduates with 84 out of 100 (84%).

Gender differences were also observed in the study. It was revealed that male students consistently reported a higher prevalence of substance use compared to female students.

According to the findings, peer pressure, academic stress, and curiosity were the most common reasons cited for substance use. The steep rise among interns and residents underscores the role of professional stress, exposure to hospital environments, and peer networks that may normalise consumption.

The study revealed that substance use not only affects the personal health of the students but also their academic performance. It found that regular consumption has been linked to absenteeism, poor academic performance, sleep disturbances, and interpersonal difficulties.

"In addition, substance use may impair clinical performance, judgment, and patient care, raising ethical concerns for professional conduct," states the study.

"Colleges should incorporate preventive strategies, including orientation programs that address substance misuse, confidential counseling services, stress management workshops, and peer support groups. Routine screening and referral mechanisms can identify at-risk students early, while fostering a supportive environment that balances accountability with student welfare. Faculty sensitization and curricular inclusion of substance use disorders not only enhance student awareness but also reinforce their future role as physicians in addressing these issues among patients," the study discussed.

"The findings from Index Medical College echo the larger body of evidence demonstrating that substance use is a pressing concern among medical students. The high prevalence, particularly among senior students and male participants, the predominance of alcohol and tobacco, and the role of peer and stress-related factors all suggest that medical institutions must treat this issue as both a student welfare and a public health priority. By implementing comprehensive and confidential support systems, medical colleges can reduce the burden of substance use and ensure that future doctors maintain the health and professional standards essential to their role in society," the study concluded.

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