Drug Addiction in Punjab: Official Data Highlights the Need for Accessible Treatment, Awareness and Family Support

Substance use remains an important public health and social concern in Punjab, with government survey estimates showing significant levels of alcohol, cannabis, opioid and other substance use among adults. Public health experts and support organisations continue to emphasise the importance of evidence-based prevention, early intervention, accessible treatment and long-term rehabilitation.

Official figures presented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in a Lok Sabha reply on 6 August 2024, based on the national substance-use survey conducted in 2018, provide an important reference point for understanding the scale and pattern of substance use in the state.

Drug Addiction in Punjab: Facts and Data from the Government Survey

According to the 2018 Comprehensive National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, the estimated prevalence of substance use among Punjab’s adult population aged 18–75 was:

Substance	Estimated prevalence	Estimated number of users
Alcohol	34%	73.31 lakh
Cannabis	14.23%	30.68 lakh
Opioids	9.91%	21.36 lakh
Sedatives	4.61%	9.93 lakh
Inhalants	0.87%	1.87 lakh
Cocaine	0.69%	1.50 lakh
Amphetamine-type stimulants	0.63%	1.36 lakh

These figures are estimates from a survey conducted in 2018, not a count of people currently using substances. Categories may overlap because an individual may use more than one substance. They should therefore not be added together to calculate a total number of people affected.

The data underline why discussions about drug addiction in Punjab should consider a range of substances, including alcohol and prescription or other psychoactive drugs, rather than focusing exclusively on illegal narcotics.

For researchers and journalists seeking the original figures, the government response provides a useful reference: drug addiction in Punjab: facts and data.

Understanding the Wider Picture of Nasha in Punjab

Substance dependence can affect physical health, mental well-being, family relationships, education, employment and financial stability. The effects vary according to the substance, frequency and duration of use, individual health and access to care.

It is also important to distinguish between substance use, harmful use and dependence. These terms are not interchangeable, and a survey estimate of use does not mean that every person counted has a substance use disorder.

A peer-reviewed study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2019, based on the National Mental Health Survey sample from four districts of Punjab, reported a weighted prevalence of 2.48% for alcohol and other substance use disorders, alongside a substantial treatment gap. Its sample and definitions differ from those of the national substance-use survey, so the estimates should not be directly compared.

The evidence supports a response that combines prevention, early identification, clinical assessment, treatment and continued recovery support.

Government Initiatives and Treatment Support

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which supports prevention, awareness, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) is a key awareness and community mobilisation component of this national effort. Launched in August 2020, the campaign was extended to all districts across India from 15 August 2023. It focuses on educational institutions, young people, community participation, awareness and connecting people with treatment services.

Government-supported services under the broader framework include:

• Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs).

• District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs).

• Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs).

• Community-Based Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI).

• Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) in government hospitals.

The availability and nature of services differ by location and facility. Families should contact the relevant hospital or district authority to confirm treatment options, eligibility and costs.

Helplines and How Families Can Seek Help

Early professional support can make it easier to assess a person’s needs and identify appropriate treatment. Families who are concerned about someone’s substance use can begin by contacting a qualified healthcare professional, a government hospital or an authorised support service.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment lists 9988199333 as its national toll-free drug de-addiction helpline. It provides primary counselling and referral support for people affected by substance use and their families.

For people looking for verified nasha mukti helpline numbers, the Ministry’s official information is available through its drug demand reduction and helpline information. The national de-addiction helpline number is 9988199333. Families should confirm current availability when calling.

People seeking additional nasha mukti helpline numbers should verify any state or local contact details through official government or healthcare websites before relying on them. In an immediate medical emergency, contact emergency services or visit the nearest emergency department rather than waiting for a helpline response.

Choosing Treatment and Rehabilitation Services in Punjab

Treatment needs differ from person to person. Some individuals may benefit from outpatient medical care and counselling, while others may need supervised withdrawal management or residential rehabilitation. A qualified clinician should help determine the appropriate level of care.

When evaluating a nasha mukti kendra in Punjab, families should ask about:

• Registration, authorisation and applicable regulatory compliance.

• Availability of qualified doctors, psychiatrists and trained counsellors.

• Medical supervision and emergency arrangements.

• Individualised treatment plans and evidence-based care.

• Patient dignity, consent, safety and confidentiality.

• Family counselling, relapse-prevention planning and aftercare.

• Clear information about fees, services and discharge procedures.

A rehabilitation facility should not promise guaranteed recovery or rely on punishment, humiliation or unqualified medical practices.

Families researching non-government support may also review organisations such as Paryas Foundation. Its current services, clinical arrangements and suitability should be independently checked before making a treatment decision. Paryas Foundation is one organisation families can include in their wider research, without treating a website listing as proof of clinical accreditation or government affiliation.

A Public Health Response Requires Reliable Information and Compassion

Addressing substance-related harm requires cooperation between healthcare professionals, families, educational institutions, government departments, community organisations and people with lived experience.

Public discussion about nasha in Punjab is most useful when it is grounded in reliable data and avoids stigma. Substance dependence is a health condition that can require professional treatment and sustained support. People seeking help should be treated with dignity, not blamed or isolated.

The government survey figures offer an important baseline for understanding the scale of the issue. Further state-level research, transparent reporting of treatment access and outcomes, and continued investment in prevention and rehabilitation can help guide future public health planning.

For the underlying government figures, readers can consult the official parliamentary response on drug addiction in Punjab: facts and data.

About this release: This release is intended to share publicly available information on substance use, government initiatives and treatment access in Punjab. It does not provide individual medical advice or endorse a particular treatment provider.