Abstract

India is dealing with increasing pressure and serious problems because of the increase in illegal drugs being brought into the country. This makes existing weaknesses worse and makes the problems for society even bigger. Despite legislative efforts like the NDPS Act of 1985, substance abuse remains prevalent, especially among youth and in rural areas. Commonly abused drugs include marijuana, alcohol, and opioids, necessitating comprehensive intervention strategies. Government initiatives such as the NAPDDR and NMBA aim to combat substance abuse through awareness, education, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. Amendments to the NDPS Act reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework. Leveraging technology and establishing de-addiction centers highlight India’s approach toward achieving a drug-free nation by 2047. Despite progress, addressing substance abuse requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and innovation, prioritizing prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts. This paper, relying on a thorough analysis of secondary sources encompassing scholarly articles, research papers, government reports, constitutional provisions, newspapers, journals, and academic materials, critically analyses government policies while proposing strategies to mitigate drug abuse and steer India toward a drug-free future. Emphasizing collaboration, public awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation initiatives, the paper outlines a roadmap for combating substance abuse.

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