Social workers are key to addressing India’s spiralling drug addiction crisis

Substance abuse is becoming one of the most pressing social issues in India, fracturing families, destabilising communities, and jeopardising the nation’s future. 

The rise in drug addiction, particularly among young people, has resulted in devastating consequences – ranging from mental health disorders to violent crimes and irreversible harm to both individuals and society. 

Many countries around the world have acknowledged the crucial role that social workers play in tackling substance abuse, however, India has yet to fully incorporate them into its prevention and rehabilitation framework. Without adequate recognition, ongoing training, and a committed regulatory body, social workers continue to be an underutilised force in addressing this crisis.

Kerala, although one of India's most progressive states, has experienced a significant rise in drug abuse cases. According to a 2024 report by the Kerala State Excise Department, over 24,500 drug-related cases were registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, indicating a significant upward trend.

Between 2019 and 2024, over 87,000 drug-related offences were recorded, resulting in nearly 94,000 arrests. There has also been a rise in synthetic drug use – MDMA seizures increased by 65 per cent within just a year. Cocaine, heroin, and brown sugar are also infiltrating the state, causing severe mental health challenges and escalating violence.

Recent cases have emphasised the dreadful consequences of drug addiction. In early 2025, a young man in Calicut, who had recently completed treatment at a de-addiction centre, brutally murdered his bedridden mother during a drug-induced psychotic episode. In another tragic case in Thrissur, a young man fatally attacked his mother after she refused to give him money for drugs. 

These incidents are not isolated; they reflect a troubling pattern in which addiction leads individuals to exhibit extreme aggression. Such cases highlight the urgent need for a structured, community-driven approach to substance abuse intervention – one that allows social workers to make a meaningful impact.

In many European countries, social workers play a crucial role in preventing, intervening, and rehabilitating substance abuse issues. Their responsibilities go beyond counselling, as they are actively engaged in community outreach, educational programs in schools, policymaking, and crisis intervention. 

These nations have established professional organisations that regulate social work practices, ensuring a high quality of service and providing ongoing professional development opportunities. Regular CPD programmes keep social workers updated on emerging trends, intervention strategies, and research-based solutions, enabling them to work more effectively within communities. 

Although India has made strides in integrating social work into various welfare programs, there is still a significant need for a structured framework that allows social workers to fully contribute to public health and social welfare initiatives. Strengthening professional oversight, establishing sustainable policies, and providing better support systems for social workers can greatly enhance their ability to tackle complex issues such as drug addiction.

Integrating social workers into India's drug prevention strategies could be transformative. These professionals should work together with healthcare providers, educators, law enforcement, and community organisations to develop a comprehensive approach to substance abuse intervention. 

By identifying at-risk individuals early, providing rehabilitation support, and assisting families in navigating the challenges of addiction, social workers can play a crucial role in reducing the long-term social and economic costs of substance abuse. 

Establishing a strong regulatory body to oversee social work practices would ensure accountability, promote research-driven approaches and encourage continuous skill development for professionals. CPD programmes should be a priority to equip social workers with the latest knowledge on international best practices, advanced treatment methods, and mental health interventions.

Kerala has taken some steps toward addressing substance abuse through initiatives like the ‘Vimukthi’ campaign, which focuses on drug-free communities through education, school awareness programmes, and rehabilitation efforts. 

However, without the active involvement of trained social workers, these efforts remain incomplete. European countries have demonstrated that a well-structured social work system can significantly reduce substance abuse rates and support individuals on their path to recovery. If India followed a similar approach – prioritising social workers in policymaking and community interventions – it could create a sustainable and impactful solution to its growing drug crisis.

Substance abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but a deep-rooted social crisis that demands a people-centred approach. Recognising the importance of social workers, providing them with adequate resources, and establishing a governing body to regulate and support their work would help India build a healthier, more resilient society. 

Investing in social work is not just a policy decision – it is a commitment to protecting families, strengthening communities, and ensuring a safer future for the next generation.

Arun Joshy is a mental health social worker in Wales