Heroin Abuse and Prevalence in India

Introduction:

India, with its vast population and diverse socio-economic conditions, is grappling with a significant issue of drug abuse. Among the various substances abused, opioids, particularly heroin, have emerged as a major concern. This blog aims to shed light on the prevalence and implications of heroin abuse in India.

The Rising Tide of Heroin Abuse

Heroin, often referred to as ‘brown sugar’ or ‘smack’, is an illegal opioid that has seen a dramatic rise in use over the years. According to a government report, India had 2.3 crores opioid users in 2018, marking a five-fold increase in 14 years. The most significant growth was reported in the consumption of heroin. At the national level, heroin is the most commonly used opioid, with a current use prevalence of 1.14%. This is followed by pharmaceutical opioids (current use 0.96%) and then opium (current use 0.52%).

Geographical Distribution of Heroin Use

The abuse of heroin is not uniformly distributed across the country. Over half of the opioid abusers in India come from the states of Delhi, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. The northeastern states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram also have a high prevalence of opioid use.

The Consequences of Heroin Abuse

The implications of heroin abuse are far-reaching and devastating. It not only affects the health and well-being of the individuals involved but also has significant social and economic impacts. The estimated number of lives lost in India due to illicit drugs was 22,000.

Effects of Heroin on an Individual

Heroin, an illegal opioid, exerts profound physical and mental effects on individuals. Immediately upon ingestion, heroin binds to opioid receptors in the body, triggering the release of dopamine, inducing intense feelings of pleasure and reinforcing its addictive nature. Long-term use results in deteriorated dental health, excoriated skin, severe constipation, and weakened immunity, with structural and physiological changes in the brain impairing decision-making, behavioral regulation, and stress response.

Mental health issues like depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder may arise, often stemming from attempts to cope with anxiety and stress. Socially and legally, heroin use strains relationships, leads to job loss, and invites legal troubles. The alarming risk of overdose looms large, contributing to a significant rise in fatal overdoses. Recognizing the devastating impact of heroin, seeking professional help is crucial. Recovery is possible, and numerous resources exist to support individuals grappling with heroin addiction.

Overcoming Heroin Addiction with Collective Care

Welcome to Collective Care, a unique rehabilitation center located in Pune, Maharashtra, India. We are a team of licensed, qualified clinical psychologists dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction, including heroin addiction.

Our Holistic Approach

At Collective Care, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. Our approach is holistic, considering the interconnected aspects of an individual’s well-being, addressing mind, body, and spirit. We prioritize psychoeducation, empowering our clients to understand their co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.

Individual Care

We understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. That’s why we limit our program to a small number of clients at a time, ensuring that each individual receives the personalized care they need. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care.

Skill Development: Our program is designed to equip our clients with the skills they need for a successful recovery. We focus on developing practical skills that can be applied in real-world situations. Our goal is to empower our clients, helping them build a strong foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a key component of our program. We believe that by cultivating mindfulness, our clients can gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This awareness can be a powerful tool in overcoming addiction.

Additional Services

1. Accreditation and Licensing: We are accredited and licensed by relevant authorities, indicating adherence to quality standards and regulations.

2. Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches: We utilize evidence-based treatment approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and motivational interviewing.

3. Dual Diagnosis Capabilities: We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment to address both addiction and mental health needs simultaneously.

4. Aftercare Program: We ensure that individuals receive ongoing support and treatment throughout their recovery journey, including aftercare and relapse prevention programs.

5. Dignified and Respectful Environment: We provide a dignified and respectful environment, which is crucial for healing and recovery.

6. Focus on Underlying Issues: We focus on addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to substance abuse, such as trauma or mental health disorders.

7. Cleanliness: We maintain a clean and hygienic environment for the overall well-being of the clients.

8. Reputation: We have a strong reputation and positive reviews from past clients.

At Collective Care, we are committed to supporting our clients every step of the way on their journey to recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, we’re here to help.