Kolkata's top government hospital launches anti-drug addiction campaign with Central help

The Hindu

20-05-2025

One of the top State Government-run medical institutions in Kolkata, SSKM Hospital, has launched a big drug abuse prevention campaign — starting with Kolkata and then moving to other parts of West Bengal — to curb high prevalence of addiction among the youth and prison inmates.
The programme, carried out by the Psychiatric Social Work department of the hospital and supported by the Central Government, began on April 17 and six programmes have been held so far in Kolkata, Howrah and Barrackpore. 'The initiative was launched to not only curb rising substance abuse, particularly among adolescents and in correctional homes, but also to equip stakeholders with tools to identify, prevent, and address the problem,' Mayank Kumar, assistant professor at the department who is anchoring the campaign, said.
According to Mr. Kumar, the target of the programme during the six drives held so far was to reach 150 participants, but it successfully reached 602 participants, including residents and officers of correctional homes, police officers, customs and airport officials, officers of Narcotic Control Bureau, NGOs, students, de-addiction specialists, counsellors, youths, parents, teachers, health professionals, and social workers.
'Although it may no longer dominate headlines, drug abuse remains a pressing concern in West Bengal. The region struggles with cross-border drug trafficking, especially of opioids like heroin. The national opioid usage rate stands at 2.1%, with Bengal experiencing a significant share due to its geographic vulnerability,' Mr. Kumar told The Hindu.
'Recent data indicates that about 9% of inmates in correctional homes are addicted to substances in West Bengal. This prevalence is concerning, especially in the context of overcrowded prisons and limited rehabilitation resources. Studies indicate that about 50% of prisoners in India suffer from substance use disorders — and this excludes tobacco use.,' he added.
Mr. Kumar said the primary causes of substance abuse among the young included peer pressure and curiosity, disconnect with family, and relationship issues. The challenges in dealing with the problem, he said, was the lack of awareness in caregivers and teachers about early signs of addiction, inadequate access to health professionals and de-addiction services in many districts, and glamorised portrayals of drug use in pop culture and social media.
'Our programme advocates school-based interventions that go beyond lectures — leveraging storytelling, peer leadership, and practical mental health education; early screening and accessible counselling services​ to be embedded in educational institutions; promotion of vocational training, sports, and creative expression to give youth a sense of purpose and belonging; and encouragement of stronger family involvement​ and community-based intervention to nurture social safety nets,' Mr. Kumar said.