- Ayushi Pundir, Student, Himachal Pradesh
Drug abuse refers to the illegal or compulsive use of substances that have high addictive potential, despite being aware of their harmful physiological and psychological effects. Commonly abused drugs include cocaine, heroin, MDMA (molly), and synthetic substances.The root causes of drug abuse often lie in peer pressure, curiosity, unresolved family conflicts, lack of communication, stress, anxiety, depression, career-related pressure, and unrealistic parental expectations. These factors can push vulnerable individuals, especially young people towards substance use and eventual addiction.
Drug scenario in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is today facing a growing crisis concerning drug addiction. This state adjoins the borders of Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh – and faces a pressing issue of surge in heroin and other drug infiltrations which demands immediate attention. This persistent challenge gravely impacts the youth, with many falling prey to various drugs, leading to tragic incidents of overdose, aggravation of various health conditions and also death in extreme cases. Parallel to neighbouring states such as Punjab, there has been a notable shift in drug usage trends – moving from natural to synthetic drugs like chitta (a form of heroin) and cannabis derivatives (charas, ganja).
As per government reports and past surveys, 27% of the youth in Himachal Pradesh are involved in drug abuse, of whom 35% are reportedly using synthetic drugs. The alarming statistics demand urgent and unified action.
Major challenges in combating drug addiction
Working to eradicate the issue of drug addiction faces a lot of challenges. Some of these challenges include the presence of a powerful profit making and market-oriented supply chain, weak systems for treatment, inadequate de-addiction and rehabilitation services, and lack of awareness. An additional challenge is easy accessibility due to rampant drug trafficking, since geographical accessibility allows for easy supply network from neighbouring states.
It should be noted that Himachal Pradesh attracts tourists from across globe. There is increasing trend of rave parties in areas such as Kullu, Manali and Kasol. There is illegal production of opium and cannabis in some regions, but lack of political will to take stringent decisions to tackle the problem has been observed.
A people-centred movement by Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti (HGVS)
HGVS, a grassroots and mass voluntary organisation, which is the main organising and coordinating member of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) in the state, identified this issue of increasing drug abuse and dedicated itself to addressing drug addiction. This is being addressed not merely as a health issue, but also as a social problem that requires medical, psychological, and community support. The organization has recognized that stigma and denial often act as barriers to treatment.
Despite governmental and NGO-led efforts, the problem continues to escalate. HGVS believes that to curb this crisis, both supply control and demand reduction must be strategically addressed. Furthermore, rather than criminalizing youth, the focus should shift toward prevention, treatment, and reintegration.
Multi-pronged initiatives by HGVS
Given the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of people, specially youth, HGVS initiated an innovative campaign titled CoWin DoST (Covid Winning Disseminator of Scientific Temperament) which focused on the mental health issues. This involved over 100 youth from Shimla and experts from diverse fields who conducted regular online sessions.
It was also noticed that the grave problem of addiction affects parents adversely, who find themselves helpless as they witness their children trapped in a vicious cycle. The occurrence of deaths due to overdose underscores the urgency of the matter, urging the community to confront and address the roots of this pervasive problem. Alarmed by this situation, HGVS initiated Yuva Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Youth Campaign). This flagship initiative is aimed at addressing the drug-abuse problem. This ongoing campaign emphasizes research, expert interactions, capacity building, and widespread community mobilization to reduce demand and disrupt supply chains. In this endeavor, HGVS aims to mobilize all segments of the society to collectively contribute to the campaign.
Initiatives during last one year (2024-25)
Most recently, due to rising concern towards the situation, a coalition of 43 organizations from diverse social, political and religious backgrounds have come together on a common platform Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse (HFADA). This forum upholds the perspective that addiction is a disease, not a crime. The Forum firmly rejects any form of discrimination, punishment, or violence against individuals struggling with addiction or their families. HFADA does not support any kind of social exclusion, denial of government services, capital punishment, encounters etc. especially in context of dealing with drug addictions.
Since parents form a major section of the population that is most affected by the drug menace, HGVS emphasized the role of mothers in this process and launched an initiative called MAA (Mother Against Addiction). Thisinitiativeempowers mothers with skills to observe their wards and intervene at early stages of drug addiction.
HGVS has alsofacilitated meetings in the form of Interactive Support Circles with recovering addicts and the affected families who share their experiences, challenges while overcoming addiction. Such persons in recovery are encouraged to put forth their perspective in society, overcoming the associated stigma and becoming role models for others.
Another initiative DoST (Peer Mentorship Model), taps into the peer influence, and trains young mentors to support peers in de-addiction efforts, using peer initiatives in a positive manner.
HGVS has also imitated a social media strategy to tackle this menace. On August 12 – International Youth Day, a digital campaign portraying real-life challenges and stigma faced by addicts and their families, fostering awareness and empathy was launched in the form of a web series – “The WHITE Truth” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc42gSEeA7w)
Government response
HGVS’s consistent advocacy led to organising a State-level convention on drug abuse on International Literacy Day (Sept. 8, 2024), where the Education Minister of Himachal Pradesh promised to raise the issue before Chief Minister and lead formulation of an effective action plan. Following this, Govt. of Himachal passed a bill in March, 2025 known as Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-Addiction, and Rehabilitation) Bill- 2025. This legislation provides for drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, offering detoxification, counselling, skill development and vocational training. There is a linked provision to create a State fund for de-addiction and rehabilitation of persons with addictions.
Following a successful campaign of more than 18 months, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment invited HGVS to present its findings. HFADA is now a recognized member of the HP State Nasha Niwaran Board, contributing to the State Action Plan 2026–27.
The movement continues…….
Drug abuse is not just a state or regional level issue; it is a global crisis. While HGVS’s initiative offers a roadmap for Himachal, similar approaches could be developed regionally across India, considering social and cultural dynamics in each area. Various other strategies can be adopted in different regions of the nation while looking into gravity of the situation, geographical conditions and feasibility of these strategies. There is a need for continuous mass mobilization to build social awareness, as well as to keep pressure on the state for implementing better treatment services for de-addiction and rehabilitation. Moreover, scientific intervention through educational institutions and communities is also required, to develop capacities and understanding about the issue. This movement to combat drug addictions now needs to be taken forward while treating this as a public health emergency.
Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti, together with platforms such as Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse and Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, is making continuous efforts to take this movement forward with strength and momentum. HGVS continues to spearhead this movement with unwavering resolve, ensuring that addicted youth are not punished, but protected, and society stands united in healing, not judging.
