Resources
Everything here is either explanatory material we have written, or a reference to an official programme. We do not publish helpline numbers or claims we have not verified from a primary source.
Substance guides
Questions to ask any treatment centre
Take this list with you. A centre that will not answer these clearly, in writing, is a centre to walk away from.
- 1Who are the qualified medical and mental-health staff here, and what are their registrations?
- 2What assessment happens before admission, and who performs it?
- 3Is withdrawal expected, and how exactly will it be managed?
- 4What is the total cost, itemised, and what is charged separately?
- 5What is the daily routine, and how much of it is actual therapy?
- 6Can the person contact family, and how often?
- 7What is the policy on restraint, and on leaving the programme?
- 8What happens after discharge, and for how long is follow-up provided?
National programmes
National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
The central scheme under which de-addiction and rehabilitation services, awareness programmes and community intervention are supported across states.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
A national awareness and community-outreach campaign against substance use, run through districts, educational institutions and volunteers.
Tele-MANAS
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
The national tele-mental-health programme providing counselling support through state cells. Contact details are published on the official government website.
District hospitals and government medical colleges
State health departments
Many district hospitals and government medical colleges have psychiatry departments that provide assessment and treatment at low or no cost.
Contact details for government programmes change over time. Always confirm them on the relevant official government website rather than relying on a number found on a directory site.
National survey findings
Alcohol
Alcohol was reported as the most commonly used psychoactive substance among adults in the national survey.
Magnitude of Substance Use in India, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS New Delhi) for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Survey 2018, published 2019.
Cannabis
Cannabis was the second most commonly reported substance, including bhang and ganja or charas preparations.
Magnitude of Substance Use in India, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS New Delhi) for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Survey 2018, published 2019.
Opioids
Opioid use — including heroin and pharmaceutical opioids — was reported at levels that the survey described as a substantial public-health concern.
Magnitude of Substance Use in India, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS New Delhi) for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Survey 2018, published 2019.
Sedatives
Non-medical use of sedatives was reported across adult and adolescent groups.
Magnitude of Substance Use in India, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS New Delhi) for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Survey 2018, published 2019.
Inhalants
Inhalant use was one of the few categories reported at a higher level among children and adolescents than among adults.
Magnitude of Substance Use in India, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS New Delhi) for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Survey 2018, published 2019.
Tobacco
Tobacco use in India is tracked separately by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, which reported use in both smoked and smokeless forms among adults.
Global Adult Tobacco Survey India (GATS-2), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Survey 2016–17, published 2017.
These are national survey estimates from the years shown, not current-year figures, and they are not specific to any one district. A newer national survey has been commissioned; updated national estimates should replace older estimates when officially published.
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RehabSetu does not diagnose. It helps you understand your next step. In an urgent or life-threatening situation, seek immediate local emergency medical care.