Addiction to Awareness: India’s Comprehensive Journey Towards Education, Prevention, and Rehabilitation in Pursuit of a Sustainable, Drug-Free Future for All Citizens

Abstract

Drug abuse is a critical public health and social challenge in India, affecting individual well-being, family stability, workforce productivity, and community resilience [1]. Beyond medical concerns, substance abuse intersects with crime, unemployment, poverty, and mental health issues, amplifying its socio-economic impact [2,3]. According to the Magnitude of Substance Use in India Report (2019), nearly 31 million Indians consume cannabis, and around 26 million use opioids, of whom over 5.7 million require urgent medical intervention [1,4]. India’s location between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle has intensified the crisis, making it both a transit hub for trafficking and a growing domestic market [5,6].

Despite legislation like the NDPS Act (1985) and initiatives such as Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (2020), gaps remain in enforcement, rehabilitation, and community awareness [1,7]. This study examines India’s journey from widespread addiction to increasing awareness, analyzing socio-economic, cultural, and psychological drivers, including peer influence, urban stress, unemployment, and globalization [8,9]. It highlights the roles of government agencies, NGOs, community initiatives, and digital platforms in prevention and rehabilitation [10,11].

Using a descriptive-analytical approach, the paper identifies gaps in long-term rehabilitation, gender-specific vulnerabilities, and digital awareness strategies [7,11]. Findings suggest that sustainable change requires a multi-pronged approach emphasizing prevention, community engagement, destigmatization, and evidence-based rehabilitation. Recommendations include strengthening rehabilitation centres, integrating anti-drug education in schools and colleges, promoting youth-led awareness campaigns, gender-sensitive interventions, and enhanced cross-border cooperation [12,13]. By framing addiction as a public health and social challenge rather than a crime, India can advance toward a resilient, empowered, and drug-free society.