I. The Silent Epidemic: Understanding Substance Abuse in India
Substance addiction represents a profound and escalating concern across India, posing significant challenges to individuals, families, and the broader society. This crisis is particularly impactful on the younger demographic, leading to severe consequences that extend beyond personal suffering. These include heightened crime rates, strained interpersonal relationships, diminished economic prospects for affected individuals, and an overall detrimental impact on societal well-being. The issue is widely recognized as a major public health crisis, intrinsically linked with psychological distress, societal prejudice, stigmatization, and community instability. The comprehensive understanding of this challenge reveals that it is not merely an individual health issue but a systemic public health crisis with significant socio-economic ripple effects. The impact on the younger generation is a particularly critical concern, as it directly threatens India’s demographic dividend, implying long-term consequences for the nation’s human capital and economic growth.
The scale of the problem is starkly illustrated by the National Survey on Substance Use in India (2019), supported by AIIMS. This survey paints a grim picture: approximately 16 crore individuals consume alcohol, while 3.1 crore use cannabis products, with about 25 lakh of these individuals suffering from severe dependency. A more alarming statistic reveals that approximately 2.26 crore individuals use opioids, nearly 77 lakh of whom require urgent intervention and support. Furthermore, over 20 lakh people in India engage in injecting drug use, a practice that significantly elevates their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, thereby posing immediate and long-term public health challenges.
India’s commitment to combating substance abuse is deeply rooted in its constitutional framework. Article 47 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, places a moral and legal obligation on the State to actively curb the consumption of intoxicating substances deemed injurious to public health. This constitutional mandate establishes a robust legal and ethical bedrock for India’s anti-drug policies, demonstrating that the government’s efforts are not ad-hoc or merely reactive, but are grounded in fundamental duties.
Beyond domestic imperatives, India is a signatory to key United Nations conventions on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This commitment translates into international obligations to prevent harmful drug use, ensure early identification, treatment, education, and after-care for individuals with substance dependence, and to curb illicit drug trafficking. This alignment with international best practices and human rights frameworks suggests a long-term, principled approach to the problem, even as practical implementation faces challenges. It also indicates that India’s policy evolution is influenced by global discourse on drug control, moving towards a more public health-oriented perspective while maintaining enforcement.
India’s strategy to address the complex issue of substance abuse is characterized by a multi-stakeholder and multi-ministerial approach. Key ministries involved include the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), which primarily focuses on demand reduction; the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), responsible for supply reduction and law enforcement; the Ministry of Finance, which plays a role in monitoring illicit trafficking and financial transactions; and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), which provides treatment and rehabilitation services. These ministries operate in consultation and coordination, collectively engaging in three broad approaches: Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, and Harm Reduction. The involvement of multiple ministries and their defined roles signifies a critical understanding within the government that substance abuse is not a singular, isolated problem but a complex, interconnected challenge. This integrated governance model suggests a deliberate move away from a purely punitive “war on drugs” approach towards a more comprehensive public health and social welfare strategy. The coordination among these diverse stakeholders is essential for addressing the multifaceted nature of addiction, from prevention and treatment to law enforcement and financial intelligence.
II. National Frameworks: Pillars of India’s Anti-Drug Strategy
A. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): A Comprehensive Blueprint
Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) serves as India’s foundational framework for confronting the escalating issue of substance abuse and drug trafficking. This multidimensional policy is designed to align national goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3.5 (strengthening prevention and treatment of substance abuse) and SDG 16.4 (eradicating illicit financial flows and arms flows, strengthening recovery and return of stolen assets and combating all forms of organized crime). Its primary objectives are comprehensive, encompassing preventive education, widespread awareness generation, identification of individuals with substance dependence, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation. Furthermore, NAPDDR emphasizes training and capacity building for service providers through collaborative efforts involving Central and State Governments, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
NAPDDR operates with a strategic roadmap extending until 2025. Financial allocations for the plan have demonstrated incremental increases over the years, reflecting a growing governmental commitment. Starting with ₹100 crore in FY 2018-19, the allocation rose to ₹260 crore in 2020-21, ₹315 crore in 2023-24, and is proposed to reach ₹450 crore for FY 2024-25. For the fiscal year 2022-23, the total allocated funds under NAPDDR amounted to ₹200 crore, with ₹159.1 crore specifically for NAPDDR activities, ₹15.9 crore designated as grants-in-aid to State Governments, and ₹2.0 crore for Union Territory Governments. The consistent and incremental increase in budgetary allocations for NAPDDR clearly indicates a rising prioritization and commitment from the Indian government to tackle substance abuse. However, a crucial aspect to consider is that this funding, despite its growth, remains insufficient when viewed through the lens of international standards. For comparison, the US spends over $40 billion annually on national drug control efforts. This significant fiscal disparity suggests that while the policy framework is robust and comprehensive in its design, its full potential and widespread impact may be constrained by insufficient resources. This underfunding could lead to limitations in scaling up initiatives, uneven distribution of services, and a slower pace of progress, particularly in underserved rural areas, thereby hindering the achievement of its ambitious objectives.
B. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA): A Nationwide Movement
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a flagship initiative under NAPDDR, was launched on August 15, 2020. Initially targeting 272 districts identified as most vulnerable based on findings from the Comprehensive National Survey and inputs from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the Abhiyaan has since expanded its reach to encompass all districts nationwide, transforming into a truly pan-India movement. NMBA employs a strategic three-pronged approach to combat substance abuse:
Supply Control, managed by the Narcotics Control Bureau; Demand Reduction & Awareness, led by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through extensive outreach and awareness activities; and Treatment & Rehabilitation, provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Abhiyaan has achieved remarkable reach in public sensitization. As of May 4, 2025, over 15.58 crore people across the country have been sensitized about the ill-effects of substance dependence, including a significant proportion of youth (5.20 crore) and women (3.30 crore). By March 18, 2025, community outreach efforts had reached more than 14.79 crore people, including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women, through the extensive network of Master Volunteers. Furthermore, more than 27.76 lakh individuals have received treatment, supported by over 730 free centers and the dedicated efforts of 10,000+ trained Master Volunteers. The campaign utilizes diverse methods for awareness generation, including awareness sessions, webinars, symposiums, capacity building sessions for service providers, cultural programs, social media campaigns, and the promotion of oaths and pledges, often leveraging messages from celebrities and influencers. The rapid expansion of NMBA to all districts and its impressive reach in sensitizing millions of people, particularly youth and women, demonstrates a strong and successful emphasis on grassroots mobilization and public participation. This indicates a strategic understanding that combating substance abuse requires broad societal engagement, not just top-down directives.
A key strength of NMBA lies in its decentralized implementation structure. Identified districts take the lead through dedicated District Level Nasha Mukt Committees, chaired by the District Collector/Magistrate. These committees comprise representatives from various stakeholder ministries such as Health, Education, Women & Child Development, NCB, and Police, and are responsible for developing and implementing localized action plans. State Level Abhiyaan Committees provide monitoring, support, and guidance to the district-level efforts, ensuring coordinated action across the state. This collaborative framework, with its three-pronged strategy and decentralized implementation, is crucial for addressing the diverse manifestations of substance abuse across different regions and populations, suggesting a mature approach to policy implementation that values local context and multi-sectoral synergy.
The NMBA Mobile App for collecting and monitoring ground-level data and the identification of vulnerable districts based on national surveys and NCB inputs indicate a foundational commitment to a data-driven approach. If this collected data is effectively analyzed, it can provide crucial, real-time understandings into evolving patterns of substance use, the efficacy of various interventions, and pinpoint areas requiring more targeted efforts. This continuous feedback loop has the potential to enable ongoing policy refinement, optimize resource allocation, and enhance the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Abhiyaan, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to evidence-based policy adjustments.
Table 1: Key Government Initiatives and Their Strategic Focus
| Initiative Name | Launch Year | Nodal Ministry/Lead | Primary Objectives/Strategic Focus |
| National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) | 2018 | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) | Comprehensive framework for demand reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation; capacity building; collaborative efforts with states and NGOs |
| Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) | 2020 | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) (Lead for Demand Reduction & Awareness); Narcotics Control Bureau (Supply Control); Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Treatment & Rehabilitation) | Nationwide awareness campaign; supply control; demand reduction; treatment; community mobilization; decentralized implementation |
Table 2: NAPDDR Funding Allocations (Selected Financial Years)
| Financial Year | Allocation (₹ Crore) | Key Initiatives/Focus |
| 2018–19 | 100 | Launch of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs) |
| 2020–21 | 260 | Expansion of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) |
| 2022–23 | 200 (Total) | NAPDDR activities (159.1); Grants to State Governments (15.9); Grants to UT Governments (2.0) |
| 2023–24 | 315 | Targeted focus on synthetic drug abuse |
| 2024–25 (Proposed) | 450 | Darknet monitoring, AI-based surveillance mechanisms |
III. Multi-Ministerial Efforts: A Coordinated Response
A. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE): Driving Demand Reduction
As the nodal ministry for drug demand reduction, MoSJE spearheads extensive outreach and awareness activities across the country. These initiatives specifically target schools, colleges, and higher educational institutions to educate and sensitize young people about the perils of substance abuse. A notable component is the development of “Navchetna Modules,” which are teacher training modules designed to sensitize students (from 6th to 11th standard), teachers, and parents on drug dependence, effective coping strategies, and essential life skills. The National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), an autonomous body under MoSJE, plays a crucial role in this by conducting dedicated awareness programs in schools and colleges. In the last five years alone, NISD has conducted 2,797 such sensitization programs, benefiting 98,256 individuals.
MoSJE provides vital financial assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) for the establishment and maintenance of a diverse network of treatment and rehabilitation centers. Over 400 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) are currently operational across India, with 350 receiving direct government support. These centers offer a holistic range of services including direct treatment for drug victims, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification, aftercare, and crucial re-integration into the social mainstream. Over the past five years, these IRCAs have provided de-addiction treatment to a substantial 5,94,754 beneficiaries. Between 46 and 53 Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) Centres are supported by the Ministry, specifically focusing on vulnerable and at-risk children and adolescents. These centers utilize peer educators to engage young people in awareness generation and life skill activities, fostering resilience against substance use. With 71 to 78 Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs) supported by the Ministry, these centers provide a safe and secure space for substance users. They offer initial screening, assessment, and counseling, and crucially, facilitate referrals and linkages to more comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services for substance dependence. A significant development is the establishment of 124 District De-addiction Centres (DDACs), which consolidate the comprehensive facilities provided by IRCAs, ODICs, and CPLIs under a single roof. Preference for setting up DDACs is given to districts that previously lacked any of these existing facilities, aiming to bridge geographical gaps in service provision.
MoSJE maintains a dedicated 24/7 toll-free helpline (14446) that serves as a vital resource. It provides primary counseling and immediate referral services to individuals and their families seeking help for addiction-related issues, ensuring round-the-clock support. Recognizing the importance of social reintegration, MoSJE supports programs for skill development, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities for ex-drug addicts. These initiatives, often carried out through corporations under schemes like PM-DAKSH, aim to instill a sense of purpose and self-esteem in individuals, providing them with meaningful employment and steering them away from relapse. MoSJE’s strategy is undeniably multi-faceted, covering the entire spectrum from primary prevention to direct intervention and treatment, and finally, crucial social reintegration. The substantial numbers of beneficiaries treated and people sensitized underscore the significant reach and impact of these initiatives. The consistent provision of financial assistance to NGOs is a deliberate and strategic choice, highlighting the government’s recognition of civil society’s indispensable role in achieving last-mile delivery and providing specialized, community-based services. This collaborative model is a cornerstone of India’s social welfare approach to substance abuse, acknowledging that the scale of the problem necessitates partnerships beyond governmental capacity alone.
B. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW): Treatment and Care
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) operates the National ‘Drug De-Addiction Programme (DDAP)’ with the core objectives of providing affordable, easily accessible, and evidence-based treatment for all substance use disorders. This program is implemented through a network of six specialized Drug De-addiction Treatment Centres (DATCs) established in prominent government hospitals, including AIIMS, New Delhi; PGIMER, Chandigarh; NIMHANS, Bengaluru; RML Hospital, New Delhi; AIIMS, Bhubaneswar; and CIP, Ranchi. Additionally, 27 Drug Treatment Clinics (DTCs) provide outpatient (OPD) treatment and counseling services.
Complementing these, 142 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) have been established in various government hospitals across the country, primarily implemented through AIIMS, New Delhi. These ATFs focus on providing both in-patient and out-patient care, crucially including the provision of opioid substitution therapy (OST), a key component of evidence-based addiction treatment. To ensure uniformity and quality of care, MoHFW launched the “Standard Treatment Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioural Addictions” in 2020. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS, Ghaziabad, functions as the national nodal center, playing a pivotal role in capacity building. Since 2021, NDDTC has been conducting 5-day training workshops for staff (doctors, nurses, counselors) from government-run/supported facilities across India, focusing on the management of substance use disorders.
Recognizing the challenges of geographical access, particularly in rural areas, MoHFW is leveraging concurrent initiatives like tele-rehabilitation services. These are offered through India’s e-Sanjeevani platform, a national telemedicine service. A successful pilot program in Odisha in 2023 demonstrated its efficacy by delivering remote treatment to 5,000 addiction patients, proving its potential to bridge critical access disparities. MoHFW’s systematic establishment of DATCs, DTCs, and ATFs clearly demonstrates a strategic commitment to building and expanding a dedicated medical infrastructure for de-addiction treatment across the country. The development and dissemination of “Standard Treatment Guidelines” and the robust capacity-building programs through NDDTC indicate a strong push towards standardizing and professionalizing addiction care, ensuring it is evidence-based. Crucially, the adoption and successful piloting of tele-rehabilitation services via e-Sanjeevani represent a significant digital innovation. This directly addresses the critical challenge of “uneven spatial distribution of rehabilitation facilities” and “access disparities in rural areas” , thereby enhancing the accessibility and reach of treatment, which is a fundamental component of a comprehensive public health approach. This proactive embrace of technology demonstrates adaptability in policy implementation.
C. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) & Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Curbing Supply
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has adopted a “Zero Tolerance Policy” against drug trafficking, articulating an ambitious goal of achieving a drug-free India by 2047. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is central to this effort, pursuing a three-point strategy: strengthening institutional structures, enhancing coordination among all narco agencies, and conducting extensive public awareness campaigns.
MHA and its primary agency, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), have implemented several robust mechanisms to curb the supply of illicit drugs. The Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD), established in 2016 and further strengthened in 2019, operates as a four-tier mechanism (Apex, Executive, State, and District levels) to ensure enhanced coordination between central agencies and state governments in anti-narcotics efforts. A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been established in each state and Union Territory to bolster local enforcement capabilities. The National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders (NIDAAN) Portal has been launched, serving as a comprehensive database for narco offenders, crucial for intelligence-led operations. The establishment of Special NDPS Courts and Fast Track Courts aims to expedite the judicial process for drug-related offenses, ensuring swift prosecution. Efforts also include the creation of specialized canine squads for drug detection, strengthening forensic capabilities, and proposals for advanced techno-policing initiatives such as AI surveillance systems (e.g., the EU’s 4PRACK system, which demonstrated a 40% reduction in drug web sales during a pilot study in Kerala) to effectively surveil and disrupt darknet marketplaces and facilitate predictive policing. The MHA’s “Zero Tolerance Policy” signals a heightened and unwavering commitment to supply reduction. The establishment of dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs), the NIDAAN Portal, and specialized NDPS courts indicates a structured and institutionalized approach to law enforcement. The explicit emphasis on “techno-policing” with AI surveillance and real-time data analysis represents a crucial strategic shift from reactive interdictions to proactive, intelligence-driven operations, acknowledging that traditional methods alone are insufficient against the evolving, technologically sophisticated drug networks (e.g., darknet marketplaces). This forward-looking approach aims to dismantle drug networks more effectively by anticipating and disrupting their operations.
To counter cross-border and internal trafficking, Border Guarding Forces (Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, and Sashastra Seema Bal) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, to conduct searches, seizures, and arrests for illicit drug trafficking at international borders. Similarly, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been empowered under the NDPS Act to check drug trafficking along railway routes. Recognizing the transnational nature of drug trafficking, Director General Level Talks are regularly organized with neighboring and other countries (such as Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, and Afghanistan) to resolve issues with international implications and foster intelligence sharing. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) also actively collaborates with Indian law enforcement agencies, including the NCB, providing specialized training sessions for police, customs, and border security personnel to enhance their capabilities in identifying and intercepting narcotics.
While the MHA maintains a robust “zero-tolerance policy” and the foundational NDPS Act criminalizes drug possession and consumption , there is a notable and ongoing policy debate within India regarding the decriminalization of drug use for personal consumption. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposed decriminalization in 2021, yet the MHA has consistently upheld its punitive stance. This creates a significant tension between a law-and-order, punitive approach and a public health-oriented, empathetic approach. This divergence can inadvertently push drug users underground, deterring them from seeking necessary treatment due to fear of legal repercussions, thus exacerbating the public health crisis. The inclusion of “Empathy (medical over punitive actions for addicts)” as a key pillar in the proposed “4E Strategy” for NAPDDR 2.0 is a critical indicator. It suggests that policymakers are aware of this conflict and are considering a future policy shift towards a more balanced approach that prioritizes treatment and rehabilitation for users, while maintaining strict enforcement against traffickers. This internal policy dialogue is a crucial aspect of India’s evolving drug control strategy.
Table 3: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Reach and Impact
| Metric | Number/Count | Date of Data |
| Total people sensitized | 15.58 crore | As of May 4, 2025 |
| Youth sensitized | 5.20 crore | As of May 4, 2025 |
| Women sensitized | 3.30 crore | As of May 4, 2025 |
| Individuals treated | 27.76 lakh | As of May 4, 2025 |
| Master Volunteers trained | 10,000+ | As of May 4, 2025 |
Table 4: Central Government Supported De-addiction & Rehabilitation Facilities
| Facility Type | Number of Facilities | Primary Services Offered |
| Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) | 350-400 | Treatment, preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counseling, detoxification, aftercare, social reintegration |
| Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) Centres | 46-53 | Focus on vulnerable children/adolescents, peer education, life skill activities |
| Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs) | 71-78 | Screening, assessment, counseling, referral, linkage to treatment and rehabilitation services |
| Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) | 142 | In-patient/out-patient care, opioid substitution therapy (OST) |
| District De-addiction Centres (DDACs) | 124 | Comprehensive services (IRCA, ODIC, CPLI) under one roof; preference for districts without existing facilities |
IV. State Governments: Localized Strategies and Innovations
While central schemes like NAPDDR and NMBA provide a national framework, various state governments have developed and implemented their own localized strategies and innovative programs, often tailored to specific regional challenges and demographics. This decentralized approach allows for greater flexibility, responsiveness, and experimentation in policy and program design. States are effectively acting as “laboratories” for innovative solutions to address persistent challenges identified at the national level, such as uneven facility distribution and technological gaps. The positive outcomes from these pilot projects can serve as valuable case studies and models, informing and influencing future national policy and resource allocation. This iterative process, where state-level experimentation leads to evidence-based practices that can be scaled nationally, is crucial for developing more effective, equitable, and comprehensive interventions across the entire country.
Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, launched on March 1, 2025, has demonstrated significant success in its initial phase, focusing heavily on enforcement. In just 110 days, Punjab Police arrested 18,236 smugglers and seized substantial quantities of drugs, including 586 kg of heroin and 247 kg of opium. The campaign is now transitioning into its second phase, with an increased focus on de-addiction and rehabilitation. This includes crucial initiatives like integrating de-addiction efforts within jails and linking rehabilitation centers with skill development programs to facilitate economic reintegration. A unique initiative, ‘Each One Adopt One’, encourages every police officer, from DGP downwards, to personally adopt a drug user to assist them through their de-addiction and rehabilitation journey. Furthermore, Punjab Police are leveraging technology, including the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS) for tracking offenders and deploying advanced anti-drone systems along the Indo-Pak border to combat cross-border smuggling.
Kerala is actively stepping up its fight against drug abuse with a large-scale, statewide campaign. The fifth phase of this campaign was launched on June 26, 2025, and is set to run until January 30, 2026. Key components include “Operation D-Hunt,” which recently resulted in 769 arrests and significant seizures (e.g., 25 kg cannabis, 378 g MDMA) within a single week. The campaign also fosters community engagement through initiatives like awards for resident associations achieving the most “Drug-Free Family” homes, anti-drug rallies in schools and colleges, and the integration of drug awareness topics into the school curriculum. Notably, a pilot project in Kerala successfully demonstrated a 40% reduction in drug web sales by implementing the EU’s 4PRACK AI surveillance system, highlighting the state’s embrace of advanced technology in enforcement.
The Social Justice & Special Assistance Department in Maharashtra actively implements both NAPDDR and NMBA. Beyond these central schemes, Maharashtra oversees specific state-level programs such as “Nashabandi Mandal, Maharashtra State, Mumbai,” which has been operational since 2011, focusing on de-addiction awareness and promotion through various activities and receiving annual grants. Another initiative is the “Mahatma Gandhi De-addiction Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation, Promotion, and Dissemination” scheme. Maharashtra has a significant number of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (42 IRCAs) and has received substantial funds under NAPDDR (₹8.77 crore in FY 2021-22, ₹5.07 crore in FY 2022-23).
A pilot project in Gujarat, integrating drug awareness modules into CBSE and State Board syllabuses, yielded a remarkable 60% increase in student awareness. This success serves as a model for potential national integration of comprehensive drug education by 2026. Addressing the challenge of access in rural areas, a pilot program in Odisha successfully delivered remote treatment to 5,000 addiction patients in 2023 through India’s e-Sanjeevani platform, showcasing the potential of digital health solutions. Haryana has enacted its own “Haryana De-addiction Centres Rules, 2010,” which mandate licensing for all de-addiction centers operating within the state. As of June 2021, 104 such centers were being run by voluntary organizations and the Health Department, indicating a structured regulatory environment for service providers.
V. The Tripta Foundation: A Key Non-Governmental Contributor (Since 2022)
The Tripta Foundation was established in January 2022. Its inception was a direct response to the significant surge in demand for mental wellness services observed in the post-pandemic era, which starkly highlighted the “enormous gap between demand and availability of quality services” in the mental health and addiction sector. This establishment and its stated genesis directly address a critical challenge exacerbated by the pandemic.
Tripta’s core philosophy is centered on a data-driven, “whole-person approach” to recovery. This holistic model focuses not just on physical well-being but also on emotional, spiritual, and critically, social inclusion. Unlike prevalent therapy models that might solely focus on modifying behavior, Tripta aims to address the root causes and environmental factors contributing to addiction, actively involving family members and significant others in the treatment process. The name “Tripta,” derived from Sanskrit, meaning ‘bliss, satisfaction, and contentment,’ encapsulates the desired state of recovery for their clients. The explicit integration of mental health services alongside addiction treatment is a crucial strategic move, recognizing the strong bidirectional link between mental distress and substance abuse , thereby offering more effective and sustainable recovery pathways.
Tripta Foundation offers a diverse range of services designed to meet varying needs and ensure accessibility. These include Wellness Homes, which provide structured residential treatment programs, offering an immersive environment for recovery. Additionally,
Counselling Hubs are located in key urban centers like Mumbai and Goa, providing accessible outpatient counseling and consultation services. These hubs are specifically designed for clients who may be unable to commit to an in-house residential program due to work, family, or other daily commitments. They also serve as the initial point of contact for individuals interested in learning more about the programs offered at the Wellness Homes. The provision of both residential “Wellness Homes” and flexible “Counselling Hubs” with online options demonstrates a highly adaptive and client-centric strategy to improve accessibility, particularly for individuals who cannot pause their daily lives for intensive inpatient treatment.
The foundation provides Outpatient Addiction Counselling programs specifically tailored for individuals in the early stages of substance abuse. Under the supervision of experienced psychiatrists, a personalized treatment plan is devised for each client, which may include psychotherapy, participation in self-help groups (such as AA/NA), substance cessation medication, and crucial family support therapy. These sessions are flexibly planned to accommodate clients’ time limitations and the severity of their issues. Beyond addiction, Tripta offers
Outpatient Mental Wellness services, including individual and group counseling (available both online and offline) to address a wide spectrum of mental health needs. Their therapist team has expertise in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and bereavement, issues related to loss of employment, loneliness and isolation, stress from life transitions, and other mental illnesses. The aim is to make mental health services more accessible and affordable, while actively working to destigmatize the act of seeking help. To further enhance accessibility and reach a wider population, Tripta offers
Online Counseling sessions, allowing clients to connect with therapists remotely.
Tripta Foundation is not merely a service provider; it is deeply committed to advancing the field through research and innovation in mental health and addiction studies. Their research team actively strives to conduct studies that can influence public policy and continuously improve their own therapy and treatment programs. This commitment is underpinned by data-driven processes and the application of a “Continuous Improvement Cycle (CIC)” to all their operations. Through its dedicated training division, Tripta provides high-quality training programs to individuals and organizations working in mental health and addiction. These programs are meticulously designed by experienced professionals, field workers, and academics, incorporating the latest research and innovations, aiming to build capacity across the sector. Tripta’s explicit emphasis on research and continuous improvement through a “Continuous Improvement Cycle” elevates its role beyond that of a direct service provider. This commitment positions the foundation as a potential knowledge generator and a proponent of evidence-based practices within the addiction and mental health sector. By conducting research aimed at influencing public policy and training other professionals, Tripta contributes to a broader systemic impact, potentially refining treatment protocols, improving service delivery standards, and informing policy recommendations across the national landscape. This proactive engagement in knowledge creation and dissemination is vital for a sector facing evolving challenges and a persistent demand-supply gap.
Tripta Foundation maintains an active blog (as of 2025) that serves as a platform for thought leadership on critical issues related to mental health and substance abuse in India. Notable articles published include “The Impact of Mental Health on Workplace Performance and Efficiency: An Indian Perspective” (May 20, 2025) and “A Comprehensive Examination of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in the Indian Subcontinent: History, Current State, and Future Directions” (May 12, 2025). The consistent publication of articles on their blog demonstrates Tripta Foundation’s active engagement in public discourse surrounding mental health and substance abuse in India. This indicates a strategic intent to contribute to public awareness, disseminate knowledge, and potentially influence public perception and policy discussions beyond their direct service provision. By sharing their insights and research, they contribute to a more informed societal dialogue on these critical issues.
The provided information does not explicitly detail any direct government collaborations or specific funding received by Tripta Foundation from government bodies. However, it is important to note that the broader National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to NGOs and Voluntary Organizations (VOs) for running various de-addiction and rehabilitation centers, including Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs), Community-based Peer-led Intervention (CPLI) centers, Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), and Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). NGOs are also eligible to apply for setting up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) through the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s e-Anudaan portal. Given Tripta’s comprehensive service offerings, its commitment to evidence-based practices, and its focus on capacity building, there is a clear and strong potential for them to engage in or expand partnerships with government bodies under these existing schemes. This aligns with the common public-private partnership model prevalent in Indian social welfare, suggesting that Tripta could become an even more integrated part of the national effort.
Table 5: Tripta Foundation’s Core Services (Since 2022)
| Service Category | Specific Programs/Facilities | Key Features/Focus |
| Residential Treatment | Wellness Homes | Structured residential programs, immersive recovery environment |
| Outpatient Counselling | Counselling Hubs (Mumbai, Goa) | Accessible, flexible, initial point of contact, for those unable to commit to residential programs |
| Outpatient Addiction Counselling | Tailored programs | Psychotherapy, self-help groups (AA/NA), substance cessation medication, family support therapy, personalized treatment plans |
| Mental Wellness | Individual and Group Counseling (online/offline) | Addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss of employment, loneliness, stress, other mental illnesses; accessible, affordable, destigmatization |
| Online Services | Online Counselling | Remote access to therapists, enhanced accessibility |
VI. Navigating Challenges and Charting the Future
Despite the significant efforts by central and state governments, several critical challenges continue to impede the full effectiveness of India’s anti-substance abuse strategy. A major concern highlighted by NITI Aayog’s 2024 report is the stark uneven spatial distribution of rehabilitation facilities. Almost 80% of de-addiction centers are concentrated in urban areas, leading to severe access disparities for populations in rural and remote regions. While there has been an incremental increase in funding for NAPDDR, the allocated amounts are “still inadequate when viewed through the lens of international standards”. For instance, the proposed ₹450 crore for NAPDDR in FY 2024-25 pales in comparison to the over $40 billion annually spent by countries like the US on national drug control efforts, indicating a significant fiscal gap. These issues, alongside others, represent systemic gaps that collectively undermine the effectiveness of India’s otherwise comprehensive governmental efforts.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, a relic of the “war on drugs” era, continues to criminalize possession and consumption with harsh penalties. This often fails to adequately distinguish between a drug user (who needs treatment) and a trafficker, consequently overburdening the judicial system with petty possession cases and incarcerating addicts who would benefit more from de-addiction centers. A clear policy contradiction exists: while the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposed decriminalizing drug use for personal consumption in 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs has consistently maintained a “zero-tolerance policy,” thereby missing a critical opportunity to pivot towards more effective harm-reduction frameworks. This punitive stance can inadvertently push the problem underground and deter individuals from seeking help due to fear of legal repercussions. This philosophical divergence creates an inherent tension that needs resolution for a truly integrated and humane approach to substance abuse.
Despite the availability of various treatment facilities, the actual uptake of services remains alarmingly low. Only about 25% of individuals who attempted to quit alcohol received any form of treatment, and even more concerning, a mere 5% of those with drug use disorders ever received inpatient treatment or hospitalization for drug-related issues. This suggests that barriers extend beyond mere availability, potentially encompassing stigma, affordability, perceived quality of care, or fear of legal consequences, indicating a need for multi-pronged interventions to improve access and trust. A significant challenge also lies in the inadequate social capital and support systems necessary for the successful reintegration of substance users back into society, often leading to relapse. The current treatment landscape in India still lacks diverse and specialized options tailored for specific vulnerable populations, such as female drug users, adolescents, and the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, there are persistent challenges related to poor surveillance systems and a lack of evidence-based, structured prevention programs. The failure to incorporate modern techniques like data mining and wastewater analysis to track emerging drug use trends represents a significant gap in current drug control initiatives.
Recognizing these challenges, a fresh National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR 2.0) for the period 2025-2030 has been proposed, advocating a “4E Strategy” to guide future efforts. The formal proposal of this “4E Strategy” explicitly acknowledges many of the systemic shortcomings identified, indicating that policymakers are not only aware of these challenges but are actively planning a strategic evolution of India’s drug policy.
The “4E Strategy” comprises:
- Enforcement (techno-policing): This pillar calls for strengthening enforcement through advanced technological integration. It proposes consolidating the Narcotics Control Bureau, Financial Intelligence Unit, and state agencies into a single integrated platform for real-time data analysis. This initiative aims to facilitate predictive policing, identify trafficking routes, monitor financial transactions, and leverage AI surveillance systems (like the EU’s 4PRACK, which showed a 40% reduction in drug web sales in a Kerala pilot) to disrupt darknet marketplaces.
- Education (preventive awareness): Emphasizing proactive prevention, this pillar recommends integrating comprehensive drug awareness modules into the curricula of CBSE and State Board syllabuses by 2026. This initiative is inspired by a successful pilot project in Gujarat that yielded a remarkable 60% increase in student awareness. Additionally, it promotes involving National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) volunteers as “Drug-Free Ambassadors,” building on a Karnataka program that achieved a 25% reduction in substance use among college students.
- Empathy (medical over punitive actions for addicts): This critical pillar advocates for a paradigm shift, prioritizing medical intervention and treatment over punitive actions for individuals struggling with addiction. This implies a move towards a public health approach for drug users, focusing on rehabilitation rather than incarceration. The inclusion of “Empathy (medical over punitive actions for addicts)” directly addresses the long-standing conflict with the NDPS Act’s criminalization of users, suggesting a potential future policy shift towards a more public health-centric model for individuals with substance use disorders.
- Expansion (upscaling rehabilitation infrastructure): To address the uneven distribution and limited access to treatment, this pillar calls for a significant upscaling of rehabilitation infrastructure. It mandates the establishment of at least one Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA) in each district and promotes the adoption of public-private partnership models to significantly improve access to treatment facilities. Furthermore, it emphasizes expanding tele-rehabilitation services through platforms like e-Sanjeevani, drawing lessons from Odisha’s pilot program that treated 5,000 addiction patients remotely in 2023.
This forward-looking strategy demonstrates a commitment to a more integrated, technologically advanced, and human-centric approach to combating the drug menace.
VII. Conclusion: A Collective Endeavor Towards a Drug-Free India
India’s battle against substance abuse is a complex, multi-faceted challenge that demands a sustained and coordinated response. The Government of India, through comprehensive national frameworks like the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), has laid a strong foundation for addressing this societal issue. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Health and Family Welfare, and Home Affairs, demonstrate a strategic commitment to demand reduction, treatment, and supply control. The NMBA, in particular, has achieved remarkable success in community mobilization and awareness generation, reaching millions across the country.
However, the path to a drug-free India is fraught with significant challenges. These include the uneven distribution of rehabilitation facilities, persistent funding gaps when compared to international standards, and the inherent tension within the legal framework that often criminalizes users rather than prioritizing their treatment. The low uptake of existing treatment services and the need for more diverse and inclusive treatment options further underscore the complexities.
The proposed “4E Strategy” for NAPDDR 2.0 (Enforcement, Education, Empathy, and Expansion) offers a promising roadmap for future efforts, explicitly acknowledging critical gaps and outlining a strategic evolution towards a more balanced and effective approach. This includes a crucial shift towards prioritizing medical and empathetic interventions for individuals with substance dependence, alongside leveraging advanced technology for enforcement and expanding rehabilitation infrastructure.
To build upon existing successes and overcome current limitations, the following recommendations are critical:
- Policy Reform: Urgently reform the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act to decriminalize the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use. This would prioritize treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration, thereby easing the burden on the judicial system and encouraging individuals to seek help without fear of legal repercussions.
- Institutional Strengthening: Substantially increase funding for Integrated Rehabilitation Centres and systematically integrate addiction care into the broader public health system. This involves encouraging greater private sector involvement to expand the reach and quality of services, ensuring that treatment is not only available but also accessible and affordable across all regions, particularly in rural areas.
- Technological Advancement: Boost technological capabilities by establishing specialized cyber-narcotics units equipped with advanced tools like AI surveillance and blockchain technology to effectively track and disrupt online drug trafficking networks. This proactive approach is essential to counter the evolving sophistication of illicit drug trade.
- Enhanced Coordination: Strengthen inter-agency and international coordination through the formation of joint task forces involving neighboring countries, various intelligence agencies, and collaborations with international bodies like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for intelligence sharing and legal cooperation.
- Accessibility of Professionals: Make addiction counselors and psychiatrists more readily available within the public health infrastructure. This measure is crucial to reduce the dependency on often expensive private clinics, thereby making essential mental health and de-addiction services more accessible and affordable for a wider population. This aligns with the Tripta Foundation’s mission of providing affordable, high-quality care, highlighting the potential for synergistic partnerships between government and non-governmental organizations.
The work of organizations like the Tripta Foundation, with its holistic, data-driven, and accessible approach to treatment and its commitment to research and capacity building, exemplifies the vital role of non-governmental actors in complementing government efforts. Their focus on “whole-person recovery” and social inclusion, coupled with flexible service delivery models including outpatient and online counseling, addresses critical service gaps and contributes significantly to the national objective of a healthier, drug-free society. The collective endeavor of central and state governments, working in tandem with dedicated NGOs, is essential to transform India’s vision of a drug-free future into a tangible reality for all its citizens.
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