Schemes For Prevention Of Alcoholism And Drug Abuse In India

A large part of the Indian population struggles with alcoholism and drug abuse in India. It is one of the greatest social evils of the current time and has devastating outcomes for the person and family involved. Alcohol and drug usage from an early age is quite prevalent across the country, regardless of social class, profession, or marital status.

As per the National Family Health Survey-5 of 2019-21, roughly 18 percent of men and 1.3 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years take alcohol regularly. Another survey – the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment India, found that approx. 14% of the population between the ages of 10 and 75 years consume alcohol, which translates to around 160 million people in the country.

The same survey also states that 31 million people, or 2.8 percent of the population, use cannabis products, while 2.1%, or 23 million individuals take opioids. Further findings from the study point out that 1.8% of the population is addicted to sedatives and inhalants.

Importance of Prevention and Control of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in India

Alcoholism and drug addiction are two of the biggest elements that impact the person’s physical, social, economic and psychological status as well as that of the society at large. That is why prevention, drug abuse treatment, and mitigation of these problems are absolutely necessary for a number of reasons.

Health Complications

Drug and alcohol abuse leads to multiple health problems. They can include liver, heart, or lung failure. They can also cause transmitter diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Focusing on the methods of prevention and effective intervention could cause a reduction in the rates of these outcomes, thus improving the community’s overall health.

For Improving Mental Health

Similarly, mental problems such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis are significantly related to the consumption of alcohol and drugs, such that there are ways to use and ensure that they are never reoccurring.

Reducing Crime Rates

There’s a close tie between drug and alcohol abuse and crime. It is seen that drug and alcohol addicts engage in crimes like violence, theft, and drug trafficking. To keep social stability and safety, it’s vital to have measures preventing such abuse of substances within the country.

Enhanced Productivity

When individuals consume drugs and alcohol regularly, their work performance worsens. This ultimately causes conflicts at their place of occupation and even leads to accidents and missed deadlines, which, in the long run, negatively affects that nation’s economy. At the place of work, preventive measures promote better results and maintain productivity, hence making it necessary for people to ensure they always take such actions at all times.

Reduces the Burden of the Healthcare Sector In India

The treatment of health issues because of substance abuse imposes a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Prevention and early intervention can reduce these costs, allowing resources to be allocated more effectively.

For the Protection of the Youth of the Country

It is seen that young people, especially teenagers, get easily associated with drugs and alcohol because of peer pressure, which negatively impacts their lives and affects their growth. It is necessary to implement some measures and interventions to ensure their health and career growth as young people ultimately define the nation’s future.

Government’s Initiatives To Monitor The Issue Of Alcohol And Drug Abuse:

The Indian government has come up with various strategies and initiatives to curb the problem of drug abuse and alcoholism. This has led to partnerships with several internal and private bodies, the provision of accessible rehabilitation facilities, enforcement of preventive approaches, and monitoring of drug trafficking cases across borders.

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR )

3-Day capacity building program under National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) concludes in ReasiThis plan aims to reduce illegal substance use in society, enhance general health, promote drug abuse treatment, and improve the productivity of individuals and society. Some of the key aspects of this plan are:

• Introducing educational programs and campaigns to increase awareness among the young population of the country and pass on the message concerning the effects of drug and substance use.
• Increased access to addiction treatment centers that offer treatment and de-addiction facilities.
• Conduct research and surveys to monitor the prevalence of prevention, care and treatment programs.

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Programs

Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse and Social Defence Services was introduced by the Indian Government in 2008. Key aspects of this initiative are assisting NGOs, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and local urban bodies in facilitating the creation of addiction treatment centers. The initiative also involves creating awareness and organizing programs for public awareness.

National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre

The center works as a drug treatment center and was established in New Delhi by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Among its services are the provision of comprehensive care (medical, psychological, and social services) for individuals suffering from severe forms of substance use, investigating patterns and causes, and management approaches related to misuse problems while imparting relevant skills among healthcare professionals.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

NCB is a coordinating body that works under the Ministry of Home Affairs and deals with drug and drug-related issues. This body monitors our nation’s drug laws and policies and works with other institutions to curb drug abuse. It also helps in community awareness programs, where individuals are instructed on the dangers of substance use.

So, understanding the severity of the problem of alcoholism and drug abuse in India, the government initiated a lot of schemes and programs. These programs aim to eliminate the occurrence of the problem by promoting awareness campaigns and expanding the opportunities for easy accessibility of treatment. But if they are bringing a big enough change, that’s a question to be asked.