By Dr. Satyawan Saurabh
An Epidemic Gripping India
Drug addiction has emerged as a pervasive epidemic, particularly among India’s youth, with devastating social, economic, and health implications. A recent investigation highlights the alarming prevalence of drug abuse across the country, primarily affecting young men. Factors such as cultural shifts, economic disparities, peer pressure, and a lack of supportive relationships have fueled the rise of substance use among India’s diverse population.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reports that 16 crore people (14.6%) aged 10 to 75 years consume alcohol, with 5.2% being alcohol-dependent. Cannabis users constitute 3.1 crore individuals, while 72 lakh people suffer from cannabis-related issues. Startlingly, 7% of children and adolescents use inhalants, with about 18 lakh children requiring intervention. More than 8.5 lakh individuals inject drugs, exposing themselves to severe health risks. Opioids, particularly heroin, represent the most alarming drug category, with prevalence rates in India three times the global average (2.1% vs. 0.7%). These drugs account for the highest rates of disease, disability, and death among users.
Consequences of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse has catastrophic consequences, impacting individuals, families, and society at large. Physically, addiction can lead to liver damage, infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS due to needle-sharing, and a high risk of overdose deaths. Mental health is equally affected, with substance abuse often triggering or exacerbating conditions such as depression, anxiety, and paranoia.
Families of addicts face tremendous emotional and financial burdens. Drug abuse can break families apart, leading to conflicts, neglect, and abuse. Children in drug-affected households suffer disrupted education and emotional trauma, significantly impacting their overall well-being and future prospects. The economic cost is equally staggering, as addiction leads to workplace absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased healthcare expenses.
The societal impact is even more alarming. Drug addiction fuels an increase in criminal activities, including theft, violence, and organized crime. Addicts often resort to illegal activities to fund their habits, contributing to a rise in brawls, group conflicts, and impulsive violent crimes. Additionally, drugs impair judgment and decision-making, often leading to fatal road accidents and other reckless behavior.
Challenges in Tackling Drug Abuse
Despite the severity of the problem, tackling drug abuse in India remains an uphill battle due to multiple challenges:
Awareness Deficit: Limited awareness about the risks and long-term consequences of drug abuse, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, undermines prevention efforts.
Social Stigma: The stigma associated with addiction prevents many from seeking help, leaving individuals and families to suffer in silence.
Inadequate Infrastructure: India faces a severe shortage of drug addiction treatment facilities and trained professionals to handle the increasing demand.
Data Deficiency: A lack of comprehensive research on drug abuse trends and patterns limits the effectiveness of policymaking and program development.
Geographical Vulnerability: India’s proximity to opium-producing regions such as Afghanistan and Myanmar facilitates the trafficking and availability of narcotics.
Moreover, technological advancements have created new challenges. The increasing use of the dark net and cryptocurrencies for illicit drug trade has made it harder for law enforcement to track and control the supply chain. New psychoactive substances, which often fall outside existing drug control regulations, are also becoming increasingly popular, complicating regulatory efforts.
Government Initiatives
India has implemented several measures to combat drug addiction. Key legislative frameworks include the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1985) and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (1988). The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), established in 1986, serves as the nodal agency for drug law enforcement.
To enhance coordination across various stakeholders, the Ministry of Home Affairs has established a four-tier mechanism under NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre), comprising Apex NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD, and District CORD. This system ensures a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackling drug-related issues.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) plays a critical role in rehabilitation, supporting NGOs and voluntary organizations to run Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Drug Addicts (IRCAs). These centers provide medical care, counseling, and vocational training to help individuals reintegrate into society. Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) (2018-2025), the government aims to reduce the adverse consequences of substance abuse through prevention, education, and rehabilitation strategies.
The Way Forward
Addressing the drug abuse epidemic requires a holistic and multi-faceted approach. Strengthening law enforcement agencies, such as Customs, state police, and the NCB, is essential. This includes equipping them with advanced technology, specialized training, and resources to counter new challenges like the dark net and synthetic drugs.
Socio-economic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education must be addressed through targeted poverty alleviation programs, skill development initiatives, and accessible education. Community-based prevention programs and awareness campaigns in schools and rural areas are critical to curbing the demand for drugs.
Expanding access to treatment facilities is another pressing need. Public-private partnerships can help bridge the gap in infrastructure and ensure that rehabilitation services reach remote areas. Additionally, reducing the stigma associated with addiction is crucial. Society must recognize addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of judgment.
Lastly, research and data collection must be prioritized to guide evidence-based policymaking. Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, NGOs, and community organizations is essential to creating a robust and sustainable strategy.
Conclusion
Drug abuse is a complex and pressing issue that threatens the future of India’s youth and society. By adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach, India can hope to reduce the devastating impact of addiction and create a healthier, drug-free future.
(Note: Dr. Satyawan Saurabh,
Poet, freelance journalist and columnist, radio and TV panelist,
333, Fairy Garden, Kaushalya Bhawan, Barwa (Siwani) Bhiwani,
Haryana)
