Within one year, we have been able to enrol more than 8,000 youth volunteers who are spreading the message against drugs in every corner of country
Somnath, 50, a native of Jagatsinghpur in Odisha, was leading a happily married life with his wife and daughter. However, an accident, which led to the loss of his job, changed his entire universe and he took refuge in substances to drown his sorrows. Slowly, he slipped into depression fuelled by alcohol and anxiety. His family brought him to IRCA (Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts), run by the Association of Socially Reconstructed Activities, where he received treatment for de-addiction. He went back home but had a relaps after 15 days. His family was well aware about this disease and associated relapse pattern. So, the entire family supported him and he again came back for treatment. In the process he came to IRCA thrice, improving his sobriety period each time with aftercare support. Now he is working as an electrical worker earning Rs 10,000 per month and leading a substance-free life enjoying time with his family.
It is among many of the remarkable strides that ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’(NMBA) has made in the 10 monthsof its launch. Drug addiction is emerging as a serious concern in the country, especially among the younger generation leading to dangerous consequences not just for the person using drugs, but to the family and society at large. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the perils of substance abuse and said: 'Substance abuse is a dangerous disease that entraps a person in a vicious cycle that not only destroys the user but their whole family, society and eventually the country. The user themselves, their family, friends, society, government, law, all must come together to work in one direction with the aim to eradicate substance use."
NMBA was launched last year with a focussed approach in 272 most vulnerable districts with a shift from institution-based advocacy to community-based awareness. The districts were identified on the basis of findings from the Comprehensive National Survey conducted by the government and the inputs provided by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The NMBA has become an active movement which has committed involvement of youth, educational institutions and schools, university campuses, youth groups (NYKS, NSS, NCC), and most importantly, women.
To assess the magnitude of the problem of substance use in the country, the government has conducted a National Survey on Extant and Pattern of Substance Use to ascertain the proportion of Indian population using various substances and those affected by substance use disorders. The survey found that 3.1 crore individuals use cannabis products; about 25 lakh suffer from cannabis dependence; 2.26 crore use opioids; approximately 77 lakh individuals require to get rid of their opioiduse problems. Of the last section, majority are children.
These addictions are a result of genetic and circumstantial factors. Addiction happens not just in poor families but in the elite ones too. The main challenge faced by our society is the stigma attached to addiction. The NMBA has done a remarkable job in breaking this mindset, creating hope, and awareness to tackle this menace head on.
Within one year, we have been able to enrol more than 8,000 youth volunteers who are spreading the message against drugs in every corner of country. So far, NMBA has seen active involvement of more than 80 lakh people through various programmes. Over 35 lakh youth, 6000 educational institutions, and 28 lakh women are actively involved with the ‘abhiyaan’. The government has planned an outlay of Rs 260 crore towards the renewal of 562 programmes and setting up 90 District De-addiction Centresin 2021-22. We are increasingthe outlayto Rs 1,700 crores in the next five years.
It is evident that poverty, limited education and social marginalization aremajor factors that increase the risk of drug use disorders. Vulnerable and marginalized groups may also face barriers to getting treatment services due to discrimination and stigma. The Modi government is working on multiple fronts to increase economic opportunities, access and quality of education, and to empower the most vulnerable sections.
On the International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking on June 26, let us reaffirm our commitment to free the society from this menace. Let us vow to lead a drug-free, productive life, and contribute towards strengthening our nation. Let us do our part by taking a firm stance against misinformation and unreliable sources.
(The writer is Union Minister of State, Social Justice & Empowerment and Jal Shakti, Government of India. The views expressed are personal.)
