The North News
New Delhi, March 25
A national survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) survey, which included a sample of 5,920 school students, revealed that substance use, though not widespread, remains a cause for concern. Among the respondents, 2% reported using cannabis in the past 12 months, while 0.6% admitted to consuming sedatives. Opioid use was comparatively higher, with 2.8% of students reporting consumption.
While college students displayed a higher prevalence of substance use compared to school students. Out of a sample of 2,533 students, 6.3% reported consuming cannabis-based drugs like charas and ganja, making it the most widely used substance. Opioid use was also significant, with 1.6% using pharmaceutical opioids, 0.4% consuming opium, and 0.2% reporting heroin use. Other substances, including sedatives (1.5%), cocaine (0.5%), hallucinogens (0.4%), and amphetamines (0.2%), were also found in the student demographic.
This national survey conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) in 2018-2019 has shed light on the extent and patterns of substance use among school and college students across India. The study, which covered ten locations nationwide, provides critical insights into drug consumption habits among young people and highlights the government’s efforts to curb the issue.
These figures reflect a worrying trend of increased drug use among young adults, particularly in higher educational institutions. While cannabis remains the most commonly used substance, the presence of opioids and synthetic drugs indicates a shift toward more potent and potentially addictive substances. The higher incidence among college students suggests easier access, peer influence, and stress-related factors contributing to drug consumption.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). A key initiative under this plan is the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), launched in 2020, which now extends to all districts in India. The campaign focuses on raising awareness about substance abuse, particularly in schools and universities, and offers counseling and rehabilitation support to those affected.
So far, NMBA has reached over 14.79 crore people, including 4.96 crore youth and 2.97 crore women, through awareness programs and educational campaigns. Over 4.16 lakh educational institutions have been engaged, with more than 10,000 trained Master Volunteers driving the initiative.
To further strengthen drug prevention efforts, the government has introduced Navchetna Modules, a training program for teachers aimed at increasing awareness about drug use and promoting life skills education. Additionally, 46 Community-Based Peer-Led Intervention (CPLI) centers have been established to support at-risk youth and adolescents. A toll-free de-addiction helpline (14446) has also been launched to provide immediate assistance to individuals seeking help.
The findings of the survey highlight the pressing need for continued and enhanced efforts to tackle substance use among students. While government initiatives show promising outreach, a multi-faceted approach involving educational institutions, communities, and healthcare providers is essential to curb the growing trend of drug consumption among India’s youth.
