India Surveys Millions for New Drug Use Trends

The Union government's National Drug Use Survey (NDUS) is underway, with data collection scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026. This extensive survey aims to assess substance use patterns across India, covering approximately 20 lakh individuals. A significant focus of this round will be on documenting indigenous forms of substance use, including those with social or ritualistic acceptance, to understand their impact and compare them with contemporary patterns.

The survey, conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre of AIIMS and funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, will gather data through household and respondent-driven sampling methods. It will cover 400 districts and include individuals aged 10 to 75. For the first time, detailed analyses of substance use among specific groups like prison inmates and students are planned.

This initiative will also explore the feasibility of wastewater testing for community-level drug use assessment and examine trends in newer psychoactive substances. Findings are expected in 2027 and will inform policy recommendations for national and state-level strategies to reduce drug demand and harm, including assessing interventions like the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.