Substance Use Disorder Facing Street Children: A Complex and Pervasive Issue

Mental Recovery International  team led by Executive Director Mr. Bett Sarisar made a presentation at a session hosted by Save the Children International during the United Nations Civil Society Conference 2024.

The theme of the presentation focused on resettlement and recovery of street children and youth facing mental health disorders. This is in line with the MRI dream of establishing a Substance Use Disorders (SUD) recovery center dubbed “MRI Day Center.”

Street children, often vulnerable and marginalized, face a multitude of challenges, including substance use disorder (SUD). This complex issue is driven by a confluence of factors that make these children particularly susceptible to addiction.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem:

Prevalence: The prevalence of SUD among street children varies significantly depending on location, age, and other factors. However, studies consistently indicate that it is a widespread problem, often linked to other issues like poverty, homelessness, and lack of access to education and healthcare.
Substances Used: The types of substances used by street children vary widely. In some areas, inhalants are prevalent due to their low cost and easy accessibility. In others, alcohol, marijuana, and harder drugs like heroin or cocaine may be more common.
Contributing Factors:
Trauma: Street children often experience severe trauma, including physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and violence. These experiences can lead to self-medication and coping mechanisms that involve substance use.
Poverty and Homelessness: The lack of basic needs like food, shelter, and security can drive children to engage in risky behaviors, including substance use, to survive.
Social Exclusion: Street children are often marginalized and lack access to education, healthcare, and social support systems, increasing their vulnerability to SUD.
Peer Influence: The environment of the streets can expose children to substance use and peer pressure, leading to experimentation and dependence.

Consequences of Substance Use Disorder:

Physical Health: Substance abuse can lead to severe health consequences, including liver damage, heart disease, respiratory problems, and HIV/AIDS.
Mental Health: SUD often co-occurs with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), further compounding the challenges faced by street children.
Increased Vulnerability: Substance use can increase street children’s vulnerability to exploitation, violence, and abuse.
Cycle of Addiction: Substance dependence can create a vicious cycle, leading to further marginalization and difficulty breaking free from the streets.

Addressing the Issue:

Prevention: Creating a supportive environment for street children, including access to education, healthcare, and social services, is crucial for preventing SUD. Addressing the root causes of homelessness and poverty is also essential.
Intervention: Early intervention programs, including counseling, addiction treatment, and support groups, are vital for helping street children struggling with SUD.
Collaboration: Collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and communities is essential to develop and implement comprehensive programs that address the complex needs of street children.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness about the challenges faced by street children and the devastating impact of SUD is crucial for advocating for policies and programs that support their well-being.

Moving Forward:

Addressing substance use disorder among street children requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root causes of the issue and provides comprehensive support and intervention services. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population, we can work towards a future where all children have the opportunity to thrive.