Current Perspectives on Substance Use Disorders in India—Public Mental Health Aspects

Substance use disorders in India have been associated with a considerable public health burden. The sheer numbers of people affected with tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use disorders in India necessitate public health attention and responses. Additionally, new psychoactive substances being seen in the horizon necessitates suitable surveillance. The present chapter discusses the various aspects of substance use disorders in India and explores the public health interface. The epidemiology of substance use disorders is discussed in the chapter, including the emergence of new psychoactive substances. The help-seeking patterns of substance abuse are discussed, and complementary and alternate treatments. Comorbidity of substance use disorders is touched upon. Laws and policies related to substance use have been further discussed in the chapter. The public mental health initiatives for preventing substance use disorders and the challenges in prevention are discussed. The way forward for substance use disorders in India is presented finally.