Dr. Prashant Joshi, CEO and Executive Director of AIIMS Nagpur, shared findings from a 2019 AIIMS Delhi study at the national conference on Anti-Drug Day. He revealed that 2–3% of India’s population suffers from opioid and cannabis addiction. Alarmingly, 80–90% of these individuals remain untreated—especially in rural and semi-urban areas—due to limited awareness, poor infrastructure, and a lack of trained personnel.
Call for Context-Specific and Compassionate Interventions
Dr. Joshi urged the adoption of evidence-based, locally relevant strategies to address Cannabis Addiction. “Addiction needs early identification, structured treatment, and compassionate care,” he said. He highlighted telemedicine platforms like Tele-MANAS as critical tools to bridge the treatment gap in areas lacking physical facilities. Moreover, he stressed the importance of training paramedical staff to recognise early warning signs and direct individuals to appropriate care.
Drug Abuse and Prisons: A Vicious Cycle
As reported by TOI, Suhas Warke, Additional Director General of Prisons, Maharashtra, shared concerning statistics: 80% of prison inmates are undertrials, with only 20% convicted. “Under the NDPS Act, trials are lengthy, and many accused remain in jail throughout the process,” he noted. Using Byculla prison as an example, Warke explained that many young inmates were arrested for minor crimes such as pickpocketing or theft—offenses often driven by drug addiction.
Rehabilitation Initiatives Offer Hope
Warke highlighted successful reform initiatives, including Mission Prayas, which has rehabilitated 1,300 prisoners and provided counselling to 3,000 released inmates. Under the Galabhet initiative, inmates struggling with addiction receive structured support, such as bi-monthly family visits, telephone access, community radio engagement, and professional counselling from NGOs.
Rehabilitation Must Go Beyond Policing
Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari emphasized that combating drug addiction requires more than just police action. “Real solutions emerge only when families initiate open conversations about drug abuse,” he stated. Chaudhari also praised the conference for providing insights that can inform stronger, more effective drug policies. “NMC stands firmly with the city police in this collective fight against drugs,” he affirmed.
Survivor’s Story Inspires Hope
Nitin Ghorpade, a recovered alcohol addict, shared his personal journey of transformation. After battling addiction for 15 years, he faced skepticism and isolation during early recovery. Over time, his improved health and mindset earned him support and admiration. Today, he is clean and has completed five Ironman triathlons—one of the world’s most grueling endurance challenges.
Need for School-Based Preventive Strategies
Ranjit Deol, Principal Secretary of School Education, stressed the importance of early detection in schools. “Parents and teachers must learn to recognise early signs—such as isolation, mood swings, or withdrawal,” he said. Deol called for integrating drug education into school curricula, increasing parental involvement, and investing in tech-based early response systems. “Timely intervention is key,” he concluded.