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A recent national conference on Anti-Drug Day brought to light alarming statistics from a 2019 study by AIIMS Delhi, revealing that 2–3% of India’s population is affected by opioid and cannabis addiction. Dr. Prashant Joshi, CEO and executive director of AIIMS Nagpur, highlighted that nearly 80–90% of these individuals remain untreated, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where there is a severe lack of awareness, facilities, and trained personnel.
Dr. Joshi emphasized the urgent need for context-specific, evidence-based interventions and stronger public health systems to address the growing crisis. He advocated for early identification, compassionate care, and structured treatment for addiction. “Telemedicine platforms like Tele-MANAS are vital in bridging the treatment gap where physical services are unavailable. Paramedical staff must be trained to recognize signs early and guide patients towards proper care,” he stated.
The conference also addressed the intersection of drug addiction and the criminal justice system. Suhas Warke, Additional Director General of Prisons in Maharashtra, revealed that 80% of jail inmates are undertrials, with many awaiting lengthy trials under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Warke noted that Byculla prison, for instance, houses many youths convicted of minor crimes committed to support their drug habits. Initiatives like Mission Prayas and the Galabhet program are providing structured support and rehabilitation for inmates struggling with addiction, including family visits, phone access, community radio, and regular counseling from NGOs.
Civic chief Abhijeet Chaudhari stressed that the drug problem cannot be tackled by law enforcement alone. He called for increased awareness about rehabilitation options and encouraged families to have open conversations about drug abuse. “Only when families begin open conversations about drug abuse can real solutions emerge,” he said, adding that insights from the conference would help shape more effective drug policies.
The conference also featured the inspiring story of Nitin Ghorpade, a survivor of alcohol addiction, who overcame a 15-year struggle and has since completed five Ironman triathlons. His journey underscores the importance of support and belief in recovery.
Ranjit Deol, principal secretary of school education, advocated for training parents and teachers to recognize early signs of drug use, such as sudden isolation, mood swings, or withdrawal. He called for integrating drug education into school curricula and engaging parents directly, as well as funding tech-based interventions and early response systems to prevent addiction before it starts.
“Addiction requires early identification, compassionate care, and structured treatment. Telemedicine platforms like Tele-MANAS are vital in bridging the treatment gap where physical services are unavailable.” — Dr. Prashant Joshi
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from a 2019 AIIMS Delhi study and statements made at a recent Anti-Drug Day national conference. Statistics and perspectives presented here reflect the views and data shared by conference speakers and may not represent the most current nationwide data. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for guidance and support regarding substance use and addiction.
