Drug abuse among the adolescents is a growing global concern, which is posing a significant threat to health, social well being and economic stability. India having the highest youth population in the world is no more exception to this threat. The demographic advantage of India is often viewed as its most significant strength; however, it is shadowed by growing concern of substance and drug abuse among its youth. Giving the due consideration to the fact that the youth of the today are the architect of tomorrow’s India, if the issue of the drug consumption among adolescents is not addressed promptly, it could lead to a long term effects on their health , productivity and over all well being. Moreover, it could lead to academic failure, school dropout, early sexual activities, violent behaviour and other criminal activities. In this backdrop, an attempt has been made in this article to explore the multifaceted nature of the adolescents substance abuse, emphasising the prevention as the cornerstone of combating this issue. The article shall delves into the underlying risks factors, including the peer pressure, familial instability and mental health challenges, which predispose adolescents to the substance abuse