Prevalence and Patterns of Substance Abuse in India

The National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2019) reported that the estimated prevalence of alcohol use among adults in India was 14.6%.

Punjab has the highest prevalence of alcohol consumption in India, with approximately 35% of adults reporting alcohol use.

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in India, with an estimated 2.8% of adults reporting cannabis use in the past year.

Manipur has the highest prevalence of cannabis use in India, with approximately 10% of adults reporting cannabis use in the past year.

The estimated prevalence of opioid use among adults in India is 0.7%.

Rajasthan has the highest prevalence of opioid use in India, with approximately 2% of adults reporting opioid use in the past year.

The estimated prevalence of injection drug use among adults in India is 0.1%.

Manipur has the highest prevalence of injection drug use in India, with approximately 1% of adults reporting injection drug use in the past year.

Oral administration is the most common mode of substance administration in India, accounting for approximately 80% of all substance use.

The age group 15-24 years has the highest prevalence of substance use in India, with approximately 20% of individuals in this age group reporting substance use in the past year.

Substance use in India is predominantly male, with males accounting for approximately 75% of all substance users.

Poverty, unemployment, and lack of education are all factors associated with an increased risk of substance use in India.

Substance abuse in India can lead to a range of health problems, social problems, and economic problems.

A combination of public awareness campaigns, treatment and rehabilitation services, and harm reduction programs are being implemented to address substance abuse in India.

The government plays a crucial role in addressing substance abuse in India by developing and implementing policies, providing funding for prevention and treatment programs, and monitoring and evaluating substance abuse trends.