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Abstract

Introduction: Addictive drugs and its abuse are a major health as well as social concern all over the world. Around 40 million people are regularly abusing drugs throughout the world. The problem is matter of concern for India as well. Most importantly substance abuse is widely getting popular among young generations including medical students. This article is an endeavor to address current status of addictive drugs. Methods: Scientific literature regarding addiction were collected from various data bases from Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Indexed Research Journals, and Textbooks using the keywords Addiction, Substance abuse, Addictive, Drug dependency. The collected data were critically reviewed and results were drawn. Results: The critical review of the data revealed that, nearly ten different types of addictive drugs are used currently. The majority of users are from adolescent age or students. Even though both sexes are involved prevalence rate is more in males. Among all the additives alcohol and tobacco are the most common. The common health issues include tolerance, physical dependence, sensitization, craving, relapse, depression, intense anxiety, hopelessness, helplessness, and irritability. The statutory control over narcotic drugs was exercised in India through a number of Central and State enactments like the opium Act, 1857, the Opium Act, 1878 and the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1930. But in spite of all these efforts the drug dependence is a major concern for globe. Conclusion: Drug abuse and addiction are affecting the quality of life of people around the world and hence awareness about the health hazards and availability of de-addiction measures for all strata of population is recommended.