Background of the study: The rising worldwide phenomenon of drug abuse among the younger generation, and in particular among students is an epidemic form that has been causing great public concern. India is a country which is growing at an incredible pace. Its culture, social values, demographics and economy is rapidly changing, stressors such as family problems and social media are having an impact on people causing increased use of illicit drugs. The reported numbers point to over 3 million drug addicts in India. Maharashtra has the largest number of people registered for drugs de-addiction in the country. Pune is a city that typifies the kind of narcotics crisis the state is facing. The burgeoning IT industry and robust educational system in Pune has created a massive influx of professionals and students (expatriate and Indian). These groups have emerged as groups fuelling the demand for narcotics in Pune. Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and attitude of drug addiction among adolescent boys in selected pre-university colleges in Pune city. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out in four pre- university colleges with a sample of 100 adolescent boys. A self-developed knowledge questionnaire was given along with a self-developed 5 point Likert scale. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis. Results: 73% of the adolescent boys had average knowledge, 22% of them had poor knowledge and 5% of them had good knowledge regarding drug addiction. 59% of the adolescent boys had neutral attitude and 41% of them had positive attitude regarding drug addiction.
