Public health initiatives, including lockdowns to reduce the spread of COVID-19, have resulted in societal stressors like loneliness, job loss, and economic collapse linked to worsening mental health outcomes, such as depression, anxiety, and coping-related substance use. The various psychosocial stressors caused by the pandemic have potentially led to the increased use of substances across the globe, particularly among emerging adults. The current study summarises the literature on substance use among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The terms “coronavirus”, “COVID-19”, “substance use”, “substance abuse”, “drug use”, drug abuse”, “emerging adults”, and “young adults” were all used in different combinations throughout the search, using the Scopus, PubMed, and JSTOR databases. Using this method, a total of 28 English-language citations published between 2020 and 2023 were obtained. Following a study of the articles mentioned above, 16 papers were removed. The remaining 12 papers were included in this review. Even though substance use dropped when COVID-19 lockdowns began, it rose when restrictions were removed, particularly among those with prior substance use. Studies related to mental health need to assess substance use, as many emerging adults use substances to cope with distress, including isolation and loneliness, which are part of the current mental health crisis among emerging adults.

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to an increased risk of developing substance use among emerging adults, which adversely affects achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study explored various sociocultural and socio-economic factors associated with emerging adults as predictors of ACEs and substance use. Methods: Data was collected from 957 emerging adults studying bachelor’s degrees in 12 colleges at Mangalore University in the Udupi district, Karnataka, India. The tools for data collection included sociodemographic pro forma, Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO ASSIST version 3.0) to assess substance use, and the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale to determine the adverse experiences in childhood. Results: The study found that the prevalence of substance use was 17.97%, while the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) was 18.91% in the sample examined (172 and 181 participants among the total sample of 957, respectively). The mean age for substance use initiation was 17.26 years. ACEs operated as a risk element for emerging adults’ substance use, whereas living with parents protected against it. In addition, the parents who lived together and served as primary caregivers could protect against ACEs. Family and peer group substance use was found to be associated with an increased likelihood of ACEs. Conclusion: Various sociocultural and socioeconomic factors predicted substance use and ACEs. The significance of family was revealed in the study since families without substance use and parental supervision served as a defense against both substance use and ACEs.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant transitions in many lives, with UNICEF reporting that 73% sought help for physical and mental well-being. This study is grounded in life course theory, examining youths’ emotional and behavioral adaptations during this period. The study was carried out to explore the lived experiences of youth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic through photovoice methodology. Methods: Employing a qualitative, community-based participatory approach, the study was conducted among students aged 18 to 25 years. Data collection in this study is conducted using photovoice methodology, a participant-led research approach in which the researcher and the participant collaborate through photographs and narratives. Data were gathered from participants in Udupi, Karnataka, through 72 photographs and 24 journals, complemented by one-on-one interviews using the SHOWeD prompt technique. Results: Twenty-four youths (8 males, 16 females) from India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka participated. Four primary themes emerged: fears leading to resilience, societal pressures, coping strategies during adversity, and new beginnings post-pandemic. Youth utilized various mechanisms, including social support and spirituality. Conclusion: The study highlights youth’s adaptive strategies and resilience amid significant challenges, utilizing the photovoice approach.