Over 1.84 Lakh Youths Treated, 50,628 Freed from Drug Addiction in Haryana: Govt

The Haryana government has revealed that over 1.84 lakh young people have sought treatment for drug addiction in the past five years. According to official data presented in the state assembly, at least 50,628 youths have successfully overcome their addiction.

The report shows a concerning rise in drug abuse among the youth. The number of people seeking treatment at both government and private drug de-addiction centers has increased significantly. From April 2024 to March 18, 2025, 52,207 youths received treatment at outpatient and inpatient facilities.

Growing drug abuse in Haryana

The trend in Haryana highlights an alarming increase in drug addiction cases, with a sharp rise in the number of people seeking help every year. Some districts, like Bhiwani and Nuh, had very few cases until 2022-23, but numbers have surged in the past two years. On the other hand, places like Mahendragarh, Kaithal, and Rewari still report fewer cases, which experts believe may be due to limited access to treatment or lack of awareness.

The state government provided this information in response to a question from Arjun Chautala, an MLA from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD). He asked for details on how many youths are affected by drug addiction and what steps the government is taking to address the issue.

To tackle the drug crisis, the health department has launched awareness campaigns in colleges and villages. The government has also increased funding for rehabilitation centers and tightened restrictions on drug supply networks. However, experts warn that more needs to be done.

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Government’s plan for more de-addiction Centers

Currently, Haryana has 30 government drug de-addiction centers with a total of 460 beds. Additionally, there are 130 private centers and 26 counseling and rehabilitation centers run by the SEWA department.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao announced plans to open 46 new drug de-addiction centers across the state. She also stated that urine drug detection kits will be provided in hospitals to help detect drug abuse early.

Despite these efforts, experts warn that relapse is a major challenge. Many individuals who undergo treatment eventually return to drug use due to a lack of post-rehabilitation support. The state will need to strengthen its recovery programs to ensure long-term success in its fight against drug addiction.