Synthetic Highs in Urban India: A Quantitative Study of Synthetic Drug Use Among Youth in Maharashtra’s Metropolitan Cities

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 6 12
    By

    Eric Kwasi Elliason,

  • Stephen Monday,

  • Samuel Kamanda,

  1. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Teaching Assistant, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of synthetic drug use among urban youth is emerging as a serious public health issue in cities like Mumbai and Pune. The transition from traditional drugs to more modern ones, such as MDMA, LSD, and meth, is indicative of deeper global shifts fueled by urbanization, increased access to the internet, and peer pressure. There is an abundant increase in reports about the availability of synthetic drugs, but local context studies that shed light on patterns of use and the risk factors associated with them remain scant. This study aimed at assessing the extent, demographic correlates, and psychosocial factors associated with the use of synthetic drugs among the youth in urban areas of Maharashtra. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 472 participants aged 18–35 from Mumbai and Pune, selected via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographics, drug use patterns, sources of procurement, and psychosocial influences. The instrument showed acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.81). For analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were performed using SPSS (Version 25) with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and participant confidentiality was preserved. Results: The findings indicate that 30.9% of participants had reported using synthetic drugs, with the most common being MDMA (40.4%). Other significant factors included younger age (18–24 years; OR = 2.10), undergraduate status (OR = 1.84), and employing students (OR = 2.27). Friends (50.7%) and online sites (28.1%) were the most frequent sources of supply. Chi-square tests showed significant relationships between drug use and age (p = 0.004), education level (p = 0.033), and employment (p = 0.012) but not gender or city. Conclusion: The patterns of use among students indicate that drug use is becoming more common among the youth in the state, especially in urban areas of Maharashtra. Such usage is readily encouraged by factors of availability, academic pressure, and peer influence. This calls for structured awareness programs, especially at campuses, tighter controls on the online drug advertising market, and improved mental health services. There is a need for a coordinated response from different government departments to what is becoming a public health crisis, focusing on vulnerable populations like students and youth.

Keywords: Digital drug marketplaces, drug abuse preventative measures, Maharashtra, MDMA, peer pressure, public health, synthetic drugs, urban youth

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions ]

How to cite this article:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday, Samuel Kamanda. Synthetic Highs in Urban India: A Quantitative Study of Synthetic Drug Use Among Youth in Maharashtra’s Metropolitan Cities. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2026; 16(01):6-12.
How to cite this URL:
Eric Kwasi Elliason, Stephen Monday, Samuel Kamanda. Synthetic Highs in Urban India: A Quantitative Study of Synthetic Drug Use Among Youth in Maharashtra’s Metropolitan Cities. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2026; 16(01):6-12. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjohp/article=2026/view=239323


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 01/01/2026
Accepted 19/01/2026
Published 18/03/2026
Publication Time 76 Days
37

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