CONTEXT

Substance abuse is rising in India, impacting youth, public health, and productivity.

• India lies between the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle, making it vulnerable to drug trafficking.
• National action was needed to curb drug demand alongside enforcement efforts against supply.
• The Union Government has now invited proposals for District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 gap districts across 30 States/UTs.

CONCEPT: NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR DRUG DEMAND REDUCTION (NAPDDR)

• Launched: 2018 (Target period: 2018–2025)
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• Goal: Reduce drug demand and its consequences through a multi-pronged approach:
  Prevention – Treatment – Rehabilitation

 Core Objectives:

• Awareness & Education: Sensitize public, especially youth, on ill-effects of substance abuse.
• Social Reintegration: Reduce stigma, support family-based recovery and reintegration.
• Human Resource Development: Train professionals & build capacity at all levels.
• Research & Innovation: Encourage data-driven policymaking, innovation & documentation.
•  Service Delivery: Community-based services for:
  • Identification & Motivation
  • Counseling & De-addiction
  • After-care & Whole Person Recovery (WPR)

Multi-agency Implementation:

• Engagement of multiple stakeholders – Govt., NGOs, hospitals, communities.
• Financial aid is provided to:
  • State Govts/UTs: for awareness, training, capacity building.
  • NGOs/VOs: for IRCAs, ODICs, CPLI, DDACs.
  • Govt. Hospitals: for Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs).

CURRENT

• 291 “Gap” Districts: Identified to set up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) under NAPDDR.
• Focus on underserved areas with little or no existing infrastructure.
• Push for data collection and impact assessment to refine strategies.
• Strong emphasis on Whole Person Recovery (WPR) – a holistic model addressing physical, mental, and social dimensions.