PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

Drug addiction continues to be a significant global social issue affecting both individuals and society. Adolescents are recognised as the most vulnerable group and the primary contributors to drug addiction statistics. Factors such as psychosocial development, peer influence, adverse childhood experiences, and curiosity contribute to early substance use. This study investigates the factors influencing substance abuse intention (SAI) among adolescents living in high-risk areas of Peninsular Malaysia, utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as its primary framework. It specifically explores the mediating role of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and the moderating effect of sensation seeking. Data were gathered from 112 adolescents using homogeneous convenience sampling. Analysis was conducted utilising Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results indicate that attitude, subjective norms, and sensation seeking serve as direct predictors of SAI. A partial mediating effect of ACE was found in the relationship between subjective norms and SAI, while sensation seeking significantly moderated the relationship between attitude and SAI. These findings illuminate the considerations that adolescents in at-risk areas make regarding substance abuse, providing valuable information for policymakers to address these factors and prevent early substance use among