In a decade, the number of suicides linked to drug and alcohol addiction has nearly tripled, according to data analysis, as the globe observes International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
The number of drug and alcohol-related suicides in India reached 10,560 in 2021, up from 3,658 incidents reported in 2011, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking this year has as its subject “People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”
Experts say there is a good possibility that those who consume drugs will also likely suffer from other psychological conditions including anxiety and sadness. “Studies from both India and abroad shows that the co-morbidity between substance use and psychiatric disorders are quite high, ranging from 40-50 percent” averred Shalini Singh, Assistant Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre & Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS Delhi (NDDTC).
“We always check for history of mental illnesses and suicide attempts while diagnosing substance abuse victims,” she further added.
From 25,785 in 2011 to 78,331 in 2021, the number of cases reported under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act), increased by about 204 percent.
The age range between 30 and 45 is the one where drug- and alcohol-related suicides occur most frequently, followed by the 18 to 30 age range.
“People start using drugs in their teens, and by the time they reach mid 20s or early 30s, they get addicted. In case of alcohol, the victims are usually middle-aged. Whereas in case of other drugs, the victims could be younger as well,” mentioned Ravindra Rao, Professor, NDDTC.
“The rate of female drug users is definitely lower than males. However, their problems remain the same. Substance abuse among females is a hidden issue as the treatment seeking behaviour can be comparatively lesser. It is probably underreported,” averred Piyali Mandal, Additional Professor, NDDTC.
Drug overdoses are still a problem throughout the nation. Since 2014, drug overdoses have caused more than 700 deaths annually in the nation. In 2021, there were 737 such fatalities in the nation, an increase from the 514 fatalities noted in 2020.
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), which the national government initiated, is aimed at 272 Districts in 32 State/Union Territories that have been recognised as being most susceptible to drug use in the nation. On approximately 2.79 lakh villages nationwide, the scheme’s operations have reportedly reached 9.85 crore people, according to its website.
