Alcohol & Drug Abuse is a malady that has plagued mankind for generations, spreading its tentacles mainly amongst the youth, and especially those of the underprivileged classes.

Over 200 million people, or 5% of the global population aged between 15 and 64, have used illicit drugs at least once in the last 12 months and this population includes individuals from almost every nation. While many people are involved in the production and trafficking of illicit drugs, many more are affected by the devastating social and economic consequences of this problem.

At the micro level, Alcohol and Drug Abuse breed hatred, jealousy and violence, lowers self-image, causes financial stresses, and tears families apart. These manifest further at the macro level by destabilising peace and harmony in the society and nation at large.

Studies on alcohol abuse in India indicated that more than 30% of males and less than 5% of females are alcohol dependant in this country (Vivek Bengal et al 2000). Recent studies also reveal that drug addiction on the streets of Kolkata and surrounding areas alone has afflicted more than 40,000 individuals. In India, the problem of addiction is further aggravated by the lack of treatment and rehabilitation facilities.

A look at the following hard facts reveals the the grim picture of the maladies of drug addiction:

• Drugs addiction contributed to12.4% of all deaths worldwide in the year 2000.
• Years lost in life on account of Drugs addiction is about 8.9%.
• If one dollar is invested in Drug de-addiction treatment, we save seven in Health & Social cost.
• The turnover of Drugs related substances in the world is around $ 500 billions (INR 2,250,000 crore).
• About 190 million (19 crore) people all over the world consume one kind of drug or the other.
• One million heroin addicts are registered in India, but the number may be higher.

Please click here to visit our Recent Events page for the latest updates.