Drug Abuse in India: Key Facts
Drug abuse in India: key facts, health risks, warning signs, and treatment options. Trustworthy guidance with reliable sources.
Introduction
Drug abuse in India affects people of every age, background, and community. Understanding the health risks, warning signs, and proven treatments can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. In this guide, you’ll find clear, trustworthy information drawn from respected health authorities so you can make informed decisions and find support. We’ll unpack what substance use disorders are, why they develop, how to spot the signs early, and what effective help looks like without judgment.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
What are “Drug Abuse” and “Substance Use Disorder”?
The term “substance use disorder” (SUD) describes a medical condition in which a person’s use of alcohol, prescription medicines, or illegal drugs leads to health problems or difficulties at home, work, or school.
Key Points:
- Not a moral failing: SUD is a treatable health condition that changes how the brain functions.
- A spectrum: Drug use ranges from experimental or occasional use to harmful use and dependence.
- Common substances: Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids (such as heroin or misused pain medicines), stimulants (like
methamphetamine or certain ADHD medicines when misused), sedatives, and inhalants. - Recovery is possible: With the right mix of support, counselling, and (when appropriate) medication, many people
achieve long-term recovery.
Key Facts About Drug Abuse in India
The key facts include:
- It’s a public health issue: Drug use and addiction affect physical and mental health, family life, safety, and productivity.
- Both legal and illegal substances can cause harm: Alcohol, tobacco, and misused prescription medicines cause
significant health problems, alongside illegal drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine. - Patterns vary: Different regions see different patterns of use. Injection drug use can increase the risk of infections like
HIV and hepatitis B or C if needles are shared. - Adolescents and young adults are vulnerable: Early use increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder later.
Prevention and early support make a big difference. - Stigma holds people back: Shame and fear often delay help-seeking. Compassionate, evidence-based care improves
outcomes. - Treatment works: Counselling, family support, and medications for certain addictions (for example, buprenorphine or
methadone for opioid use disorder) are effective and recommended by global health bodies.
Health Risks You Should Know
The health risks you should know include:
Short-term risks
- Impaired thinking, judgment, and coordination
- Accidents and injuries; impaired driving risk
- Overdose (especially with opioids or mixing substances like alcohol and sedatives)
- Risky behaviors that can lead to infections or unintended injuries
- Severe anxiety, panic, agitation, or psychosis with some stimulants or high-THC cannabis
Long-term risks
- Brain and mental health: Depression, anxiety, memory and learning difficulties; higher risk of suicide
- Heart and blood vessels: High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke (especially with stimulants)
- Liver and pancreas: Liver disease, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and pancreatitis (especially with heavy alcohol use)
- Lungs: Chronic cough, infections; vaping-related lung injury; respiratory depression with opioids and sedatives
- Infections: Higher risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C with injection drug use when needles are shared
- Pregnancy and child health: Substance exposure can affect fertility, pregnancy, and newborn health
- Social and legal harms: Relationship problems, lost employment, financial stress, and legal issues
Warning Signs to Watch For
Warning signs include:
Behavioral signs
- Withdrawing from family and friends, secrecy, or sudden changes in social circles
- Declining performance at school or work, frequent absenteeism
- Loss of interest in hobbies; neglecting responsibilities
- Risky behaviours (unsafe sex, unsafe driving, fights)
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
Physical signs
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Unusual smells on breath or clothing; frequent nosebleeds (with some drugs)
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Red or glassy eyes, small or very large pupils
- Track marks, skin infections, or abscesses from injection
- Frequent illnesses due to weakened immunity
Psychological signs
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression
- Paranoia or hallucinations with some substances
- Cravings and spending a lot of time thinking about or getting substances
Emergency Warning Signs
Call for help when you see below signs:
- Trouble breathing, very slow or stopped breathing (opioids)
- Blue lips or fingertips, severe chest pain, seizures
- Unconsciousness or inability to wake
- Extreme agitation, high fever, confusion, or severe headache after use
If available, naloxone can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose—ask a clinician or pharmacist about availability in your
area.
Why Do People Develop Substance Use Disorders?
Reasons for substance use disorder:
Multiple factors interact:
- Biology and genetics: Family history can increase risk.
- Environment: Stress, trauma, peer pressure, and easy access to substances matter.
- Mental health: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD can raise risk.
- Early use: The earlier the use begins, the higher the chance of addiction.
- Brain changes: Repeated use rewires reward pathways, making quitting difficult without support.
Prevention that works for families, schools, and communities
- Start early and talk often: Open, nonjudgmental conversations about substances and coping skills help.
- Build life skills: Programs that teach problem-solving, emotional regulation, and refusal skills reduce risk.
- Set clear expectations: Consistent rules and monitoring lower teen substance use.
- Safe storage and disposal: Lock up prescription medicines and dispose of unused medicines properly.
- Support mental health: Timely care for stress, trauma, and mental health conditions reduces risk.
- Community strategies: Evidence-based school programs, youth engagement, and access to sports, arts, and mentoring
are protective. - Policy and health services: Access to primary care, mental health services, and harm reduction (such as sterile syringes
and testing services where available) reduces harms.
Getting Help in India: Effective Treatment Options
The effective treatment options include:
If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Many people start by speaking with a trusted doctor or visiting a hospital’s psychiatry or de-addiction clinic.
What to expect:
1) Assessment
- A confidential evaluation covering health history, substance use, mental health, and social support
- Screening for infections (HIV, hepatitis B/C) if there is a history of injection or other risks
- An individualised care plan
2) Counselling and behavioural therapies
- Motivational interviewing to build readiness for change
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to understand triggers and build coping skills
- Contingency management (structured rewards for healthy behaviours)
- Family-based therapy and support to strengthen the home environment
- Peer recovery support groups (in-person or online)
3) Medications when appropriate
- Opioid use disorder: Buprenorphine or methadone reduce cravings and withdrawal; extended-release naltrexone may
also be used - Alcohol use disorder: Naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram can support recovery
- Tobacco dependence: Nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, or bupropion
These medicines are evidence-based and recommended by major health organisations. They work best when combined
with counselling.
4) Detox is not the whole treatment
- Medically managed withdrawal (detox) can be an important first step, especially for alcohol, benzodiazepines, or
opioids - Ongoing therapy, medications, and recovery supports are key for long-term success
5) Harm reduction and safety
- Naloxone for opioid overdose reversal—ask about access in your area
- Sterile equipment and safe injection education were available to prevent infections
- Vaccinations (hepatitis A/B, influenza) and regular testing for infections, as advised by your clinician
Where to Find Care?
It includes:
- Government and teaching hospitals with psychiatry or de-addiction services
- District hospitals and medical colleges
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) offering counselling, community outreach, or rehabilitation
- Private clinics with qualified psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and addiction medicine specialists
Tip: Seek providers who use evidence-based approaches, offer medication-assisted treatment when indicated, and
include family support and aftercare planning.
How to Choose a Reputable De-addiction Centre?
Tips to choose include:
- Ask about qualifications: Are there licensed psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, or addiction specialists on staff?
- Evidence-based care: Do they offer counselling plus medications when indicated (not just “detox” or unproven
methods)? - Individualised plans: Is treatment tailored to your needs (co-occurring mental health conditions, medical issues, family
support)? - Safety and ethics: Clear policies on consent, privacy, and patient rights; safe, humane care
- Family involvement and aftercare: Support for loved ones, relapse-prevention plans, and follow-up visits
- Transparency: Clear information on duration, services, costs, and outcomes
Supporting a loved one Through Practical Steps
Do
- Speak calmly and compassionately; focus on safety and health
- Encourage a medical evaluation and offer to go along
- Set clear, healthy boundaries and protect your finances and safety
- Keep potentially dangerous medicines and alcohol secure at home
- Celebrate small steps and progress
Avoid
- Blame, shame, or threats often backfire
- Covering up consequences or repeatedly “rescuing” someone from the results of their use
- Trying to manage withdrawal at home without medical advice (can be dangerous, especially with alcohol or
benzodiazepines)
Key Takeaways
Understanding drug abuse in India, its health risks, warning signs, and proven treatments—can save lives. If you’re
worried about yourself or someone you love, reach out to a qualified healthcare professional. Compassionate, evidence-
based care works, and recovery is possible.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(500+ Patients)
Dr. Siri Nallapu
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Shesham Srinidhi
General Practitioner
5 Years • MD(physician)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(150+ Patients)
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Vasanthasree Nair
General Practitioner
15 Years • MBBS
Angamaly
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Kerala, Angamaly
(500+ Patients)
Dr. Siri Nallapu
General Practitioner
5 Years • MBBS
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Shesham Srinidhi
General Practitioner
5 Years • MD(physician)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad
(150+ Patients)
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is drug abuse in India only about illegal drugs?
No. Harmful use of legal substances like alcohol and tobacco, and the misuse of prescription medicines (such as painkillers, sedatives, or stimulants), also cause serious health problems. Legal does not mean safe.
2) Can addiction be cured?
Substance use disorder is a chronic, treatable condition. Many people achieve long-term recovery with the right support. Like other chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or hypertension), ongoing care and relapse-prevention strategies are important.
3) Are there medicines that help with addiction?
Yes. For opioid use disorder, medicines like buprenorphine or methadone reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal. Naltrexone may be used in some cases. For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram can help. These work best with counselling and medical supervision.
4) Is detox the same as treatment?
No. Detox helps manage withdrawal safely but does not address the reasons behind use or prevent relapse. Comprehensive treatment includes counselling, medications when appropriate, and ongoing recovery support.
5) What should I do if someone overdoses?
Call for emergency medical help immediately. If you suspect an opioid overdose (very slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, unresponsiveness), give naloxone if available and trained to use it. Stay with the person until help arrives.