Over 70M drug addicts in India

By agencies   |   Thursday, 04 May 2006, 19:30 IST
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NEW DELHI: India has an estimated 70 million drug addicts and the number is going up significantly, spreading to semi-urban and backward areas, according to official figures. According to the source from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, “Drug and alcohol abuse is becoming an area of concern as this is increasing while traditional moorings, social taboos, emphasis on self-restraint and pervasive control and discipline of the joint family and community are eroding.” As per the National Survey on Extent, Pattern and Trends of Drug abuse in India conducted by the Government in collaboration with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The current prevalence rates within the age group of 12-18 years is 21.4 percent for alcohols, 3 percent for cannabis, 0.7 percent for opiates and any 3.6 percent for other illicit drugs. The survey also indicated a high concentration of drug addiction in certain social segments and high-risk groups, such as, commercial sex workers, transportation workers and street children. Also the usage is higher in North Eastern states/border areas and opium growing regions of the country. Altogether, 40,697 males within the age-group of 12-60 years were interviewed and information on various aspects of drug abuse was obtained.