Drig dependence .pprevalance in india
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drug dependence substance use disorder prevalence India
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drug dependence prevalence India 2023 2024 national survey statistics
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Here is a detailed overview of drug dependence prevalence in India, drawn primarily from India's landmark national survey conducted by AIIMS-NDDTC for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (Government of India, 2019) - the most comprehensive study to date (age group 10-75 years):
Drug Dependence Prevalence in India
Background
The 2019 National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (MoSJE, AIIMS-NDDTC) is the most authoritative source on this topic. An earlier survey was done in 2004 (UNODC collaboration). The data below is from the 2019 national survey report.
1. Alcohol
| Category | % of Population (10-75 yrs) | Absolute Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Current users | 14.6% | ~16 crore |
| Problem users (harmful/hazardous) | 5.2% | ~5.7 crore |
| Dependent users | 2.7% | ~2.9 crore |
- For every 1 woman who consumes alcohol, there are 17 alcohol-using men
- India's overall use rate is lower than global average, but the proportion with harmful use/dependence (~5.2%) nearly matches the WHO global estimate (5.1%)
2. Cannabis
| Category | % of Population | Absolute Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Current users | 2.8% | ~3.1 crore |
| Problem users | 0.66% | ~72 lakh |
| Dependent users | 0.25% | ~25 lakh |
- Bhang: 40 lakh problem users
- Charas/Ganja: 50 lakh problem users
3. Opioids
| Category | % of Population | Absolute Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Current users | 2.1% | ~2.3 crore |
| Problem users | 0.70% | ~77 lakh |
| Dependent users | 0.26% | ~28 lakh |
Breakdown of opioid users:
- Heroin: 63 lakh (largest group)
- Opium: 11 lakh
- Pharmaceutical opioids: 25 lakh
4. Sedatives
- Current use: 1.08% of the population
- Prevalence higher in children/adolescents (1.17%) than adults (0.58%)
- This reflects misuse of over-the-counter and prescription sedatives
5. Inhalants
- Overall current use: 0.7% (adults), 1.34% (children 10-17 yrs)
- Harmful use: 0.13% (adults), 0.20% (children)
- Dependence: 0.07% (adults), 0.12% (children)
6. Other Substances (smaller proportions)
| Substance | Current Use Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Cocaine | 0.10% |
| Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) | 0.18% |
| Hallucinogens | 0.12% |
Key Patterns and Risk Factors
- Gender: Adult men bear the disproportionate burden of substance use disorders
- Age: Adolescents (10-17 yrs) show concerning rates of inhalant and sedative use
- Geography: Wide state-level variation exists - northeastern states and Punjab/Haryana show higher opioid use; southern states higher alcohol use
- Urban vs. rural: Problem use is more prevalent in urban areas
- Comorbidities: Substance dependence is closely linked to psychiatric illness (depression, anxiety, psychosis) and HIV/hepatitis risk (especially among people who inject drugs)
Historical Comparison (2004 vs 2019)
| Substance | 2004 Dependent (among current users) | 2019 Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | ~26% of current users | 2.9 crore dependent |
| Cannabis | ~25% of current users | 25 lakh dependent |
| Opiates/Opioids | ~22% of current users | 28 lakh dependent |
"Quantum of Work" (Treatment Gap)
The survey highlights that only a small fraction of dependent users receive treatment. For opioids alone, 28 lakh people are dependent but treatment capacity is vastly insufficient - the treatment gap remains a major public health challenge in India.
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