Drug Abuse in India
Drug abuse
Table of Contents:
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Introduction:
The Indian Express reported that the drug addiction epidemic is spreading across Kashmir, particularly affecting young men. Drug abuse in India is a major problem with both health and social implications. Drug addiction in India is a complex issue due to a diverse population, a high proportion of young people and economic inequalities.
What is the scale of drug addiction rates in India?
As per the report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, "the 2019 National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India reveals that:
● A total of 16.6% of people aged 10 to 75 years consume alcohol, and 5.2% are alcohol dependent.
● The number of cannabis users is estimated at 31 million, with 2.8% suffering from the disease and 0.66% having cannabis-related problems.
● The total number of opioid users is 2.06%, with approximately 0.55% (60 lakh) being dependent on treatment services/health.
● Non-medical sedatives are being used by approximately 1.08% of the population ( 18 crore).
● Children and adolescents are the primary users of asthma, with a rate of less than 7%, while adults use inhalants as well.
● Almost 18 lakh children require assistance in using their breathing devices.
● An estimated 8.5 lakh people are injecting drugs.
In India, the use of drugs that affect people is most concerning. The prevalence of opioid use is three times higher than the global average (0.7% Vs 2.1%). Among all drug classes, opioids (especially heroin) have the highest rates of disease, death and disability.
India's location between the Golden Crescent (Iran-Afghanistan-Pakistan) and the Gold Triangle (Thailand-Laos-Myanmar) makes it a prime location for opioid use.
India was found to have a fourth-place ranking in the quantity of confiscated opium in 2020, with 5.2 tons reported as confiscatiously targeted by the World Drug Report. Also, India was the third country in terms of the quantity (0.7 tons of morphine seized) in that year.
How does drug abuse impact the human body?
Many physical health problems can be attributed to drug abuse, including alcohol-related liver disease and infections caused by sharing needles when injecting drugs.
In addition, drug abuse is closely associated with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. This can either worsen current mental health problems or trigger the development of new ones.
Social and family consequences: The effects of drug abuse can result in extended periods of emotional distress, resulting in family breakdowns, conflicts, and trauma. Children living in drug-advantageous households may encounter neglect, abuse, and disruptions in their education. Those who are addicted to drugs often experience negative social stigma, which can hinder their recovery and help them integrate into society.
Costs: Family members are often faced with financial difficulties when supporting a family member with addiction and the associated medical bills. Drug addiction can result in reduced productivity and absenteeism, particularly among those aged 18-35 years due to the prevalence of productive individuals.
Violence and crime also increase as a direct result of drug abuse.' Addicts use drugs to pay for. The drug causes repressed inhibitions and impaired judgement, which can lead to the commission of criminal behavior.
In what ways does drug addiction pose a problem in India?
Insufficient Awareness and Education: The general population, especially in rural areas, is not fully aware of the risks associated with drug use and its effects. Education in schools and communities to educate people, particularly youth, about the risks of drug abuse is also inadequate. ".
Stigma against people with drug use disorders can lead to discrimination and discourage them from seeking help. Discrimination can lead to a lack of access to treatment and rehabilitation services, both in health facilities and in society.
Limited Access to Treatment and Rehabilitation Facilities and qualified healthcare professionals is a significant issue with drug addiction treatment centers.
Lack of evidence-based policymaking and program development: Insufficient research on drug abuse in India, with limited data on rates or patterns of abuse. Drug abuse is highly secretive and stigmatized, making accurate data difficult to obtain.
India's proximity to major opium-growing areas makes drugs easily accessible. Additionally, the NCB has reported that the "dark web" and cryptocurrencies are increasingly being used in the illegal drug trade.
What are the government's efforts to combat drug abuse in India?
Legislation: The general legislative policy is contained in three central pieces of legislation - the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): It is the nodal agency for drug law enforcement in India. It was established in 1986 to coordinate drug law enforcement efforts across the country.
National Narcotics Coordination Portal: Drug law enforcement involves multiple stakeholders and requires real-time coordination among various authorities. The Ministry of Home Affairs has established a four-tier coordination mechanism to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders nationwide from grassroots to top echelons for effectively combating drug scourge. The Chief NCORD, Executive NCORD, State NCORD, and District CORD are the four pillars of the mechanism.
Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCA): The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) provides financial support to non-governmental and voluntary organizations for maintaining Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCA). These centres provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to individuals with substance use disorders.
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): MoSJE has launched NAPDDR for 2018-2025. The plan aims to reduce the adverse impact of drug abuse through a multi-pronged strategy.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan/Campaign for Drug Free India: It was launched on 15 August 2020 (Independence Day) covering 272 districts of 32 States/Union Territories identified as most vulnerable with respect to drug use in India. It is run with the participation of over 500 voluntary organisations across the country, who are financially supported under the NAPDDR programme.
International Treaties: India is a signatory to various international treaties and conventions to combat drug abuse such as the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) and the UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs. Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988) and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) 2000.
What needs to be done to combat drug abuse in India?
People with substance use disorders must be provided with adequate science-based treatment options.
The government must take steps to strengthen law enforcement agencies involved in drug control such as Customs, the Narcotics Control Bureau and state police. This may include providing better training, technology and resources.
Socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment and lack of education can contribute to drug abuse and drug trafficking. Therefore, governments can address these issues through poverty reduction measures, job creation programs, and improved access to education.
Demand for drugs can be reduced through community-based prevention programs, education, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion:
Tackling drug abuse requires a holistic and multifaceted approach that includes prevention, education, treatment, harm reduction, policy reforms and increased community engagement. Collaboration between government agencies, health care providers, NGOs and local communities is essential to curb the impact of drug abuse in India.
Reference
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