Strengthening Drug Rehabilitation Efforts in Jammu & Kashmir
The Central Government is ramping up initiatives to combat substance abuse in Jammu & Kashmir through the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). Recent statistics from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, shared by Minister of State Shri B.L. Verma in the Rajya Sabha, reveal troubling substance use rates in the region, prompting the government to enhance prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services.
According to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS in 2018, opioids were found to be the most prevalent substance in Jammu & Kashmir, affecting 4.91% of the population. An estimated 540,000 individuals aged 10 to 75 were identified as opioid users. Alcohol consumption was noted at 3.50%, with around 390,000 users, while sedatives and cannabis also showed significant usage rates among residents.
Government Support and Initiative Expansion
In response to these alarming figures, the government is establishing a robust network of treatment and rehabilitation facilities. This network includes one Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), three Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), two Community-based Peer Led Intervention (CPLI) programs, six District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs), and a total of 21 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) spread across Jammu & Kashmir.
The number of individuals receiving treatment for drug addiction at these centres has seen a dramatic rise—from 5,382 in 2021-22 to an estimated 46,491 in 2025-26, reflecting a concerted effort to address this issue. Treatment figures for recent years stand at 27,843 in 2022-23, 36,588 in 2023-24, and 40,546 in 2024-25.
The Nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
The government has also launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a nation-wide campaign first initiated on August 15, 2020, in 272 vulnerable districts. As of August 2023, this initiative has expanded to cover all districts. The goal is to heighten awareness about substance abuse, especially within educational settings. The movement has successfully reached over 30.52 crore individuals across India, including more than 11.87 crore young people and 8.45 crore women.
In Jammu & Kashmir specifically, efforts under the NMBA have successfully sensitized over 1.20 crore people, with active participation from more than 69.14 lakh youths and 51.20 lakh women. The campaign has seen the involvement of 8,565 Nasha Mukt Mitrs, enhancing community engagement in tackling substance use.
For those in need of immediate assistance, the Ministry offers a toll-free de-addiction helpline at 14446. This service has handled over 460,000 calls, including more than 11,000 from Jammu & Kashmir, providing immediate support to those seeking help.
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