The Most Commonly Abused Substances in India: A Deep Dive

Given its large population and diverse cultural setup, the problem of substance abuse gives rise to many concerns in India. The degree of misuse of substances, mainly drugs has increased within the recent period affecting people of all walks of life. There are some commonly abused substances in India, which ultimately have their impact on the health of an individual, their relationships and on the society.

Substance Abuse In India
Substance Abuse In Indian Youth

Drug Dependence In India

There are several factors responsible for the compulsive use of substances in India. Relatively depressed conditions such as poverty, unemployments and inequalities and the associated stress result in a greater likelihood in the abuse of substances as people try to find means of escaping the situation.

Drug And Alcohol Addiction
Illicit Drugs usage Data in World, Asia and India

Some cultures have practices and beliefs that are likely to encourage people to abuse substances and therefore this has a direct effect on the rate of substance abuse in such cultures. Apart from cultural aspects, lack of awareness and easy accessibility also leads to the problem of Substance abuse in India. Here are some of the commonly abused substances in India:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol remains top among the most commonly abused substances in India. It is also used as part of several social and cultural activities. According to a report by Statista, it was projected that India’s alcohol consumption would increase from approximately five billion liters in 2020 to approximately 6.21 billion liters by 2024. There are several reasons for the rise in the consumption of these drinks, including increased disposable income levels and an urban culture. 

Though some present situations may be tolerant towards the moderate use of alcohol, ill effects of excessive drinking cannot be overlooked. Excessive drinking leads to heart diseases, liver cirrhosis and mental health issues, especially impacting young addicts and pregnant women. According to the same study, despite the fact that it is against the law, over 88 percent of Indians under 25 buy or drink alcohol, according to a research. This was the case even in states where alcohol sales were restricted or outright banned. Alcohol addiction is a major public health concern and one of the prime  factors in violent behavior, accidents, crime and even domestic assault.

2. Opioids

Opioids in the form of heroin and other medically prescribed substances are causing a major concern in India. The explanation for the increasing number of people taking these types of drugs is due to various reasons including stress, depression and other social problems, and the causes of unemployment and easy access to the drugs themselves. According to a research article published in The Hindu, The latest World Drug Report 2023 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has found that the highest prevalence of opioid use disorders in India is observed in the eastern parts of the country, while the largest numbers of individuals with opioid use disorders are found in north-western India (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana) as well as in some of the central-western States (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh). The paper also issues a warning about simple, low-cost synthetics that could have deadly effects on the medicine market.

Commonly Abused Substances In India
Commonly Abused Substances In India

Deaths due to the use of these drugs culminate in social disintegration due to the fatalities resulting from drug overdose, communicable diseases, and drug abuse in general. According to WHO report, because opioids affect the area of the brain that controls respiration, compulsive use of opioids can be fatal. Three signs and symptoms together can indicate an opioid overdose:

  • Shrunken pupils
  • Breathing issues 
  • Unconsciousness

Approximately 600 000 deaths worldwide in 2019 were linked to drug use. About 25% of these deaths are the result of an opioid overdose. The World Health Organization estimates that 125 000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2019.

3. Cannabis

Another drug that is prevalent in India is marijuana (cannabis). Though cannabis has been in existence for ages, its perception within societies has changed in the present day. In some areas it is considered as a therapeutic plant whereas with education and awareness people are getting aware about its addiction and its adverse impact. In India, laws associated with cannabis differ; some states have banned entire or partial use of the drug, while other states have decriminalized or permitted medical use of the drug.

Drug dependence In India
Drug dependence In India

In India, cannabis is the most often used illegal psychotropic narcotic. The 2019 National Survey on Extent and Patterns of Substance Use in India found that 3.1 crore cannabis users, with one in eleven of them experiencing dependency.

4. Tobacco/Cigarette

The consumption of smoking forms of tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, beedis and cigarettes, is commonplace in India. Even with the efforts made by the government to educate the public on the dangers of its use, tobacco addiction remains a severe menace to health. According to a world health organization report, A number of chronic illnesses, including cancer, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, are significantly increased by tobacco use. It is responsible for around 1.35 million fatalities annually and is one of the leading causes of illness and mortality in India. India ranks second in terms of both tobacco production and consumption. In the nation, a wide range of tobacco products are offered at extremely low costs.

According to a report by The Hindu, tobacco affects both; those who consume it and those who cultivate it. Based on estimates from 2016 to 2017, India has the second-highest population of tobacco users worldwide, after China, with around 26 crore users. Furthermore, because nicotine is absorbed through the skin and can result in a number of ailments, the health of over 60 lakh workers in the tobacco sector is also at risk.

Not only this, the harmful effects of tobacco use go beyond health issues. Tobacco production heavily affects the environment. Its crop quickly depletes soil nutrients due to its strong erosiveness. The need for more fertilizers, as a result, deteriorates the quality of the soil even further. Additionally, this plant also leads to deforestation. One kilogram of tobacco requires up to 5.4 kilograms of wood to prepare. In India, the annual production and use of tobacco results in around 1.7 lakh tonnes of waste. Therefore, India has a significant financial burden as a result of tobacco production and use.

5. Inhalants

Inhalant abuse is another area of concern in health care especially among the Indian youth. According to a report by The Hindu, Over 4 lakh young people are addicted to inhalants in India. To achieve the desired euphoric high, certain chemical substances like glue, paint, and gasoline are abused. There are inhalants whose prolonged abuse could lead to complications like asphyxia, liver failure, and even blindness. In India, between December 2017 and October 2018, about 0.2 percent of adults used inhalant drugs, citing a survey on substance usage. Out of the eight million users, 0.13 percent were drug dependant and need assistance for addiction issues. 

According to a news report by The Times Of India, in 2019, a 13-year-old boy was found abandoned on the streets of Bengaluru who developed a strong craving for inexpensive cycling glue or whitener. He was addicted to them while living on the streets, and he was unwilling to leave his inhalant-filled handkerchief.

A Comprehensive Approach Is Required To Combat Substance Abuse In India

Alcohol Addiction In India
Alcohol Addiction In India

Substance misuse is still a major problem in India. And therefore there is a need for a systematic approach to the challenge, one that brings community, government and people together. Understanding the causes of substance abuse and applying effective strategies would help India in working towards a more healthier and stronger society.

The problem of drug dependence in India requires indigenous efforts by the government of India and different non profit organizations. It can be done by raising the awareness among the public regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse through educational programs and health promotions and the health education strategy.

Establishing reasonable rehabilitation centres and addiction treatment programs is also beneficial. Apart from this, making more comprehensive provisions and regulations against the production, distribution and consumption of psychotropic substances is required.

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