Drug addiction is rapidly emerging as one of the most serious social and health concerns in the district. The number of people consuming intoxicating substances is increasing at an alarming rate every year. The rising trend has become a matter of concern for parents, schools, healthcare professionals and society, as the drug abuse has increasingly started affecting women, not just men.
As per data collected from a District Drug De-addiction Centre at Karnal Civil Hospital, the number of patients seeking treatment has shown a sharp rise over the years.
In 2022, around 1,520 patients visited the centre for treatment in OPD and IPD. The number doubled in 2023 to 3,045 patients. In 2024, the number of patients increased to 4,736, while in 2025 it reached 5,895 cases.
Shockingly, till April 2026, a total of 2,408 patients had already visited the centre, indicating a rising trend.
Experts reveal that the highest number of addicts belongs to the 19 to 25 year age group. This is the most vulnerable stage of life, where youngsters are often susceptible to pressure, stress, unemployment, curiosity or emotional struggles, they add. The second most affected group is 26 to 35 years, followed by people in the 36 to 60 year bracket. Even teenagers are falling prey to drug abuse, the experts claim.
Addiction have also been reported among senior citizens above 60 years, said Dr Saubhagya Kaushik, Additional Senior Medical Officer (SMO), nodal officer of District Mental Health Programme and Drug De-addiction Centre, Karnal. “We have a fully functional drug de-addiction centre with OPD and IPD facilities. We provide not only counselling, but also treatment to the addicts to help them assimilate into the mainstream,” she added.
The drugs mostly abused include ‘chitta’, ‘doda’ and opium. These are highly addictive and cause a severe damage to physical and mental health. Alcohol addiction also remains widespread despite awareness campaigns. Nicotine consumption through tobacco products and vaping is becoming increasingly common among the youth. Cannabinoids, including ‘bhang’, ‘ganja’, ‘charas’, weed and grass are also widely abused by the addicts. Another dangerous trend is the rise in intravenous drug abuse, where addicts inject opioids and prohibited medicines into their veins. Such practices increase the risk of life-threatening infections and diseases like Hepatitis B or C, Dr Kaushik added.
Besides, many people have developed dependence on sleeping pills and sedatives through long-term oral intake. Even correction fluids and paint thinners are being misused, especially by teenagers, she maintained.
Dr Kaushik said the increasing involvement of women in substance abuse is a worrying trend. “Earlier, women would not come out due to social stigma, but now they are seeking treatment to get rid of the addiction. Stress, family conflicts, depression, loneliness and changing lifestyles are pushing many women towards the addiction,” she added.
“We are holding awareness camps on a weekly basis, as a result people are now coming to the de-addiction centre for treatment,” said Dr Kaushik.
She admitted that continuation of treatment among patients is a major challenge as many patients leave treatment midway due to various reasons.
Drug addiction is completely treatable if timely action is taken, Dr Kaushik said, adding that, “It is like any other chronic medical condition that requires proper treatment, patient’s motivation and strong family support. The first and most important step is recognising the problem and consulting a specialist without delay,” she added.
Dr Poonam Chaudhary, Civil Surgeon, said drug addiction not only destroys a person’s health but also breaks families and weakens relationships.
“People are approaching our de-addiction centre and we are providing them all facilities, including medicines, counselling, along with recreational activities,” said Dr Chaudhary.
She appealed to the youth not to fall prey to drug abuse and rather focus on their future goals.
To curb the rising menace of drug abuse, the Karnal police have started a campaign to connect the youth with sports under the ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ campaign. Various sports events are being organised in villages, encouraging youths to stay away from drugs and instead engage in sports.
