India is witnessing a troubling rise in substance use among its youth. Addiction not only affects physical and mental health but also has significant social and economic consequences. This overview examines the current situation, identifies gaps in de-addiction programs, and outlines strategies for more effective de-addiction programs across the country.
The Problem: Rising Addiction Among Youth
Recent studies highlight the extent of youth addiction in India:
- Approximately 32.8% of youth surveyed reported using substances, with 75.5% beginning before adulthood.
- The most commonly used substances are tobacco (~26.4%), alcohol (~26.1%), and cannabis (~9.5%).
- Inhalant use among children and adolescents is higher than in adults.
- About 10% of admissions in some de-addiction centres involve people under 21.
Key contributing factors:
Social and peer pressure, and the desire for acceptance.
Academic stress, parental and societal expectations.
Psychological distress or unresolved trauma.
Easy access to substances, including prescription sedatives.
Gaps in Current De-addiction Programs
Youth addiction treatment in India faces multiple challenges, highlighting the need to strengthen de-addiction programs:
- Treatment Gap
Only about 1 in 10 individuals with substance use disorders receive treatment.
Many de-addiction centres have limited capacity, especially in rural areas.
- Shortage of Trained Professionals and Infrastructure
Few specialists in addiction psychiatry; many hospitals lack dedicated clinics.
Long-term residential facilities are rare; aftercare is often insufficient.
- Cost and Accessibility
- Private rehab centres are expensive and urban-centric.
- Stigma and Denial
Families and youth often avoid seeking help due to social stigma.
- Insufficient Early Prevention
- School and college awareness programs are limited and often reactive.
- Co-morbid Mental Health Issues
Many youth experience depression, anxiety, or trauma alongside addiction, yet programs often fail to integrate mental health care.
Why Better De-addiction Programs Are Needed
Effective de-addiction programs are crucial for:
- Health Impact: Early addiction impairs physical and cognitive development.
- Relapse Prevention: Holistic de-addiction programs reduce relapse rates more effectively than detoxification alone.
- Cost-effectiveness: Preventive measures are cheaper and more humane than late-stage treatment.
- Social Impact: Addiction affects families, communities, and increases crime rates.
- Equity: Vulnerable youth in rural or low-income areas need accessible de-addiction programs.
Features of Effective De-addiction Programs
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessibility & affordability | Decentralized services in rural/district areas; subsidized or free costs; more beds in government centres. |
| Trained workforce | Addiction specialists, clinical psychologists, counselors; general practitioner training; task-sharing approaches. |
| Integration with mental health care | Dual diagnosis treatment addressing both addiction and mental health conditions. |
| Continuum of care | Follow-up, relapse prevention, support groups, aftercare, reintegration, education/employment assistance. |
| Prevention & awareness | School and college programs; public awareness campaigns; peer-led interventions; family/community involvement to reduce stigma. |
| Youth-friendly services | Confidential, non-judgmental care; flexible timings; digital and tele-counseling; culturally sensitive approaches. |
| Regulation & quality control | Accreditation and monitoring of centres; safety and ethical standards; avoidance of unethical rehab practices. |
| Policy and funding support | Government funding, insurance coverage; laws emphasizing treatment over punishment. |
| Data systems and research | Surveillance of substance use; evaluation of intervention effectiveness; mapping hotspots; monitoring relapse and long-term outcomes. |
Potential Obstacles
Limited public health budgets and competing priorities.
Stigma and resistance from families or institutions.
Lack of political will and weak intersectoral coordination.
Shortage of trained specialists and difficulty in scaling up.
Ensuring quality and preventing unethical practices in rehabilitation centres.
Conclusion
Rising addiction among Indian youth demands urgent attention. Expanding and strengthening de-addiction programs, integrating mental health care, training professionals, and implementing preventive and community-based strategies are essential to building a healthier, addiction-free future.
Institutions like Brindhavan Deaddiction Centre in Dindigul play a crucial role in providing comprehensive addiction treatment centres in Dindigul, combining medical care, counselling, and aftercare support. By enhancing and promoting such de-addiction programs, more young people can access the help they need, ensuring lasting recovery and stronger community support.
References
Business Standard. Youth Drug Addiction Trends. 2025. Link
The Indian Express. Rising Cases of Drug Abuse Among Teens. 2025. Link
Doctor Mentis. Understanding Youth Addiction in India. 2024. Link
Ullekh NP. Mind-altering Drugs Among Youth. 2025. Link
ISB Blog. Substance Abuse in India. 2025. Link
PMC. Addiction Psychiatry Training in India. Link
Hindustan Times. Need for More De-addiction Centres. Link
THE BALANCE RehabClinic. Drug Addiction in India. Link