Background: The epidemic of substance abuse in a young generation has assumed alarming dimensions in India. Substance use in adolescence is commonly associated with unsafe sexual behaviour, school and social misbehaviour, poor academic performance, and may eventually lead to the continuation of drug use in adulthood. Aim and Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and pattern of substance use and any associated sociodemographic factors for planning and developing effective strategies to reduce substance use among this high‑risk population. Material and Methods: A cross‑sectional survey was done to assess the prevalence and pattern of substance use among male adolescents in suburban area of Lucknow. 100 adolescents were conveniently selected from different areas of Lucknow. Adolescents who were aged more than 11 years, able to read and write Hindi or English were included in the study, and persons who are mentally unsound and not willing to participate were excluded from the study. A structured questionnaire for demographic variables was developed by researchers. To assess the prevalence and pattern of substance use, a structured questionnaire was prepared with the reliability coefficient of 0.94 (test‑retest reliability) with a content validity index of 0.90 between the experts. Results: More than half of the subjects (60%) were using any kind of substances presently, of which, 60% were using the substance once or twice in a month. About 45% of the adolescents started to use substances before 13 years of age. Common substances used by the subjects were any kind of tobacco (76%), inhalants (20%), and alcohol (4%). Most of the subjects were getting substances from their friends (85%) and only a few (15%) by themselves. Conclusion: Early onset of substance use is seen among adolescents. Low educational status and the nuclear family are associated with their substance use. Friends are the key source of substances and their initiation of substance use.