Street Survival to Substance Use: The Impact of Drug Addiction on Street Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Bangladesh has one of the largest populations of street children in South Asia, with millions growing up without stable housing, food security, or parental care. A significant proportion is concentrated in Dhaka, where exposure to poverty, neglect, and negative peer influence creates an environment in which drug use becomes a common coping strategy. Substance use among these children not only reflects immediate survival mechanisms but also leads to profound physical, psychological, and social vulnerabilities, underscoring the urgent need for research and intervention. The study conducted in Dhaka city and collected data were organized and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Our study found that about 40% of the surveyed street children are currently using drugs. Alarmingly, 33.3% of them could not recall their family members or had no memory of their familial background. Children between the ages of 6 and 9 appeared to be the most vulnerable, with nearly 70% in this age group becoming addicted to drugs. As a result, approximately 40% of the children reported experiencing physical, mental, emotional, or social problems linked to substance use. Additionally, 30% of the children who had previously attended school had since dropped out and were no longer receiving formal education. Our findings also reveal that 43.33% of the children initiated drug use through cigarettes. When asked about potential solutions, 73.33% of the respondents agreed that a child’s own willingness plays the most critical role in overcoming addiction. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing the root causes of drug addiction among street children in Dhaka. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs, early childhood support, nutritional assistance, and community-based outreach are critical to reducing substance abuse in this vulnerable population. Policymakers, NGOs, and health authorities must prioritize long-term, child-centered strategies to ensure protection, recovery, and social reintegration for street children in Bangladesh.