The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has conducted a National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in 2018. The National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the technical and scientific aspects of the National Survey.

The report of the Survey establishes that a substantial number of people use psychoactive substances in India, and substance use exists in all the population groups, but adult men bear the brunt of substance use disorders. As per the report, about 90 Lakh women in the age group of 10-75 years use alcohol, 40 Lakh use Cannabis and 20 Lakh use Opioids.

The Ministry implements a “Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse” under which financial assistance is provided to eligible Non-Governmental Organizations, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies etc. for, inter-alia, running and maintenance of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs). At present, the Ministry supports about 461 IRCAs in the country, out of which 4 are exclusively for women.

Further, under the activities of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), de-addiction centres for women in Hospitals and other establishments can be established and assisted.

This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Kataria in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.                                                                                                          

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NB/SK/jk/SJ&E-3/16-07-2019