De-addiction services in India

Abstract

The use of psychoactive substances of abuse in India has increased manifold and become a complex medical, social and legal issue. In addition to legal remedies and activities aimed at demand reduction and primary prevention, the development of treatment facilities and models of service aimed at de-addiction has gained importance in the recent years. This chapter reviews the state of de-addiction services in India in the broader framework of general provision of services to the substance using population. This includes the service delivery pathways for substance users through the government, private, voluntary and the non-governmental organisation (NGO) sectors; the components of the services to the substance using population involving the pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and rehabilitation services, and service provision models through inpatient, outpatient and community settings. Secondly, the chapter discusses the existing policies and programmes in India regarding service provisions towards the substance abusers. Thirdly, the chapter also takes a look at the special populations that require modification in the approach and orientation of de-addiction services. Finally, the legal framework of provision of services to the substance users is evaluated. The chapter takes a narrative view of the present de-addiction services and presents evidence from published literature wherever available.