Pune is more than just a city; it’s a vibrant, bustling hub of education, ambition, and youthful energy. Known as the ‘Oxford of the East,’ it attracts thousands of students every year, each carrying dreams of a bright future. But beneath this surface of academic aspiration lies a high-pressure environment. The transition to college life with its newfound freedom, intense academic competition, and complex social dynamics can be overwhelming. For many students, this pressure becomes a silent battle, pushing them towards unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance use and behavioural addictions.

This isn’t about blame or judgment. It’s about understanding the reality our students face. A recent viral video from Vetal Hill, showing two young students in a state of severe intoxication, was a jarring wake-up call for many Punekars. It brought a private struggle into the public eye, highlighting a growing crisis that we can no longer afford to ignore. The conversation around student well-being needs to evolve from hushed whispers to open, supportive dialogue.  

At Calida Rehab, a leading centre for Addiction Disorder Treatment in Pune, we believe the first step to solving a problem is understanding it. In this complete guide, we will explore the unique pressures Pune’s college students face, how they are coping, and most importantly, the healthy, constructive paths available for them to navigate these challenges and find support.

The Pressure Cooker: Why Pune’s Student Life is a Unique Challenge

College is a radical lifestyle shift. The familiar structure of home and school life dissolves, replaced by a world of deadlines, social expectations, and personal responsibility. For students in a competitive city like Pune, these pressures are magnified.  

The Academic Treadmill: From Exam Stress to Performance Anxiety

The academic environment in Pune is notoriously competitive. From securing admission to a top college to acing semester exams and landing a coveted internship, the pressure to excel is relentless. This fear of defeat can be a powerful and dangerous motivator. A 2025 study highlighted that many students, overwhelmed by coursework and exams, turn to substances as a misguided coping mechanism. Some may experiment with stimulants, believing they can enhance focus and allow for longer study hours, a counterproductive approach that often leads to dependency and burnout. The constant need to perform can make substances seem like a quick fix for managing overwhelming stress.  

The Social Maze: Peer Pressure and the Need to Belong

For many students, college is their first real taste of social freedom. Parties and social gatherings are a core part of the experience, but they are also environments where substance use is often normalized. The pressure to fit in, to be part of the ‘in-crowd,’ can be immense. Saying no to a drink or a joint can feel isolating, leading many to participate simply to avoid social awkwardness or to manage social anxiety. This isn’t about being ‘weak’; it’s about the fundamental human need for connection and belonging. When substance use becomes the ticket to social acceptance, it creates a perilous environment for young adults still forming their identities.  

The Freedom Paradox: Navigating Life Away from Home

Moving away from home for college is a rite of passage, but this newfound independence comes with its own set of challenges. The lack of parental supervision, combined with the responsibility of managing schedules, finances, and personal well-being, can be daunting. This unstructured environment can become a breeding ground for unhealthy habits. For some, this freedom is an opportunity to experiment with behaviours they couldn’t at home. For others, loneliness and homesickness can create an emotional void that they attempt to fill with alcohol, drugs, or other compulsive behaviours.  

The Digital Deluge: The Hidden Pressures of Online Life

Today’s addiction pressures aren’t limited to substances. As a Top Psychiatric De-addiction & Rehabilitation Center in Pune, we are seeing a significant rise in behavioural addictions, particularly related to the internet and social media. A survey of Pune students found that while Facebook use was declining, YouTube and Instagram use were significantly higher, with many young people feeling obsessed with getting ‘likes’ and validation online. One personal story from a young man in Pune revealed how this constant comparison and insecurity drove him deeper into his addiction, using his phone as an escape from reality. This pressure to present a perfect, curated life online adds another layer of stress, contributing to anxiety and depression when reality doesn’t match the digital facade.  

The Reality on the Ground: What Addiction Looks Like in Pune’s Colleges

The issue of substance abuse among Pune’s youth is not just anecdotal; it’s a documented trend that demands our attention. The problem is complex, affecting students from all backgrounds and walks of life.

More Than Just Partying: The Alarming Data

While city-specific statistics for college students are often hard to isolate, broader studies paint a concerning picture.

• A cross-sectional survey of college students in North India found that a staggering 58.3% reported lifetime substance use. The most common substances were alcohol (54.7%) and tobacco (40.2%), with cannabis use at 15%.  
• Perhaps most troubling is the decreasing age of addiction. According to reports from Pune, the average age for diagnosed narcotic addiction has dropped from 25 to just 15 or 16, with cases being seen in students as young as Class 9.  
• A post-COVID survey conducted specifically with youth in Pune City found significant links between substance consumption and factors like gender, family income, and whether both parents were working, indicating that socioeconomic and family stressors play a major role.  

This data confirms that substance use is not a fringe issue but a widespread challenge within the student community. The problem has become so visible that Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has issued formal circulars urging affiliated colleges to be vigilant and implement awareness programs about the dangers of narcotics.  

A Glimpse into Student Stories: “My Escape Route”

Statistics tell one part of the story, but personal narratives reveal the human experience behind the numbers. For many students, addiction isn’t a reckless pursuit of a good time; it’s a desperate attempt to self-medicate. Most experts agree that for an addict, substances are often a solution to unbearable internal pain—be it anxiety, depression, trauma, or social angst.  

One young man, now four years sober, shared his story, explaining, “The reason why I chose addiction as my escape route was because I felt that my reality was unbearable”. He described living in a constant state of fear, guilt, and disconnection, feelings that his addiction helped him numb. Another student’s journey into addiction started with simple curiosity about smoking. When his question was met with an angry parental outburst instead of an open conversation, he turned to his peers for answers, starting a spiral into more dangerous substances.  

These stories underscore a critical point: addiction is usually a symptom of a more serious underlying issue. To truly help, we must look beyond the behaviour and address the pain that fuels it.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping: Choosing the Right Path

Everyone needs strategies to cope with stress. The key is to distinguish between mechanisms that provide temporary relief at a high long-term cost and those that build genuine, lasting resilience.

The Pressure Point	Common Unhealthy Coping Mechanism	A Healthier, More Effective Strategy
Intense Exam Stress	Using stimulants to stay awake; binge drinking to “blow off steam.”	Creating a structured study schedule with built-in breaks; practicing mindfulness or meditation to calm anxiety; forming a study group for mutual support.
Social Anxiety at Parties	Drinking heavily to feel more confident or to fit in.	Attending events with a trusted friend; setting a drink limit beforehand; planning non-alcohol-focused social activities like hiking, movie nights, or joining a club.
Loneliness & Homesickness	Isolating oneself and spending excessive time on social media or gaming.	Scheduling regular video calls with family; making an effort to join college clubs or sports teams; seeking out on-campus counseling services to talk through feelings of adjustment.
Peer Pressure to Use Substances	Giving in to avoid conflict or social rejection.	Having a pre-planned exit strategy or excuse; surrounding yourself with friends who respect your choices; confidently stating your boundaries in a calm, firm manner.
Overwhelming Feelings of Depression or Hopelessness	Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to numb emotional pain.	Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional; engaging in physical activity to boost mood; joining a support group to connect with others who understand.

Building a Toolkit for Resilience: Practical Strategies for Pune Students

Coping with pressure is a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time. It’s about building a personal toolkit of healthy strategies that you can turn to when things get tough.

Your Mind Matters: Simple Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques

You don’t need to become a meditation guru to reap the benefits of mindfulness. Simple practices can help ground you in the present moment and reduce the power of anxious thoughts.

• The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique: When you feel overwhelmed, pause and name: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. This pulls your focus away from your racing mind and into your immediate environment.
• Box Breathing: Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale for a count of four, and wait for a count of four before inhaling again. Repeat this for a few minutes to calm your nervous system.
• Mindful Moments: Dedicate five minutes a day to simply sit and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders (which it will), gently guide it back to your breathing without judgment.

Finding Your Tribe: The Power of a Supportive Social Circle

The people you surround yourself with have a profound impact on your well-being. Recovery stories from students consistently highlight the importance of finding a supportive peer community where they feel understood.  

• Seek Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to have a few close friends who genuinely support you than a large group of acquaintances who pressure you into unhealthy situations.
• Explore Your Interests: Join clubs, workshops, or sports teams related to your hobbies. This is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people and build friendships based on shared passions rather than partying.
• Learn to Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. True friends will respect your decision to skip a party or not drink. Communicating your needs clearly is a sign of self-respect. 

Why “Just Tough It Out” Is the Worst Advice You’ll Get

In our culture, there’s often an unspoken expectation to be strong, to handle problems on our own, and to “tough it out.” This is particularly true for mental health and addiction. But most experts agree that telling someone struggling with addiction to simply “get it under control” is like telling someone with a deadly disease to “stop making bad choices”. It’s not only unhelpful; it’s dangerous. Addiction is a complex disease, not a moral failing. Ignoring the problem or trying to power through it alone often leads to worsening symptoms and increased feelings of shame and isolation. Acknowledging that you need help is the ultimate sign of strength and the first, most crucial step toward recovery.  

Knowing When and Where to Seek Help in Pune

It’s vital to recognize when coping strategies are no longer enough and professional help is needed. Reaching out is not a sign of failure; it’s a courageous step towards taking control of your health and future.

Recognizing the Signs: When Coping Becomes a Crisis

How do you know if your (or a friend’s) substance use has crossed the line from casual to problematic? Look for these warning signs :  

• Changes in Behaviour: Sudden mood swings, increased irritability or aggression, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
• Academic Decline: Skipping classes, falling grades, losing focus and motivation.  
• Relationship Problems: Withdrawing from family and friends, or getting into frequent arguments.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to keep up with coursework, personal hygiene, or other commitments.
• Increased Tolerance & Withdrawal: Needing more of the substance to get the same effect, or feeling shaky or sick when you try to stop.
• Secrecy and Dishonesty: Lying about your substance use or hiding it from loved ones.

Your Guide to Professional Support in Pune

Pune has a robust ecosystem of support, but navigating it can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown of the options available:

• University Counseling Centers: Many colleges, like Symbiosis and others, have on-campus counselors who can provide initial support, short-term therapy, and referrals. This is often a great first step as it’s accessible and confidential.  
• Private Therapists and Counselors: For more specialized or long-term care, seeking a private therapist is an excellent option. Pune has many qualified professionals specializing in addiction and young adult mental health.  
• Support Groups: While student-specific addiction support groups are not widely advertised, organizations like the Institute for Psychological Health (IPH) offer groups for caregivers of those in recovery, which can be a resource for families. Online platforms are also emerging to fill this gap.  
• Rehabilitation Centers: For individuals whose addiction has become severe and is significantly impacting their life, a dedicated rehabilitation center provides the most comprehensive level of care.

At Calida Rehab, we specialize in creating a healing path that is as unique as you are. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our methodology is built on a foundation of personalized care, combining evidence-based clinical practices with holistic therapies that heal the mind, body, and spirit.  

For comprehensive Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Pune, it’s crucial to find a center that offers a holistic approach. Our team of experienced psychiatrists and therapists uses therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help you understand the root causes of your addiction and develop healthy, lasting coping skills. As a Top Psychiatric De-addiction & Rehabilitation Center in Pune, we are committed to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and empathetic environment where you can focus completely on your recovery.

Your Journey to Wellness Starts with a Single Step

Navigating the pressures of college in Pune is a formidable challenge. The path can be fraught with stress, anxiety, and the temptation of unhealthy escapes. But it is also a journey of immense growth, discovery, and opportunity.

Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. Thousands of students are facing similar battles. The key is to recognize that coping is a skill, resilience can be built, and asking for help is the bravest step you can take. Whether you start by talking to a friend, a campus counselor, or a dedicated professional, that first conversation can change the trajectory of your life.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the pressure of addiction, we are here to help. Your future is too bright to be clouded by addiction. Take the first step today.

Contact Calida Rehab for a confidential consultation and begin your path to recovery.