Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya hosts CME session to address addiction crisis in India

New Delhi: India faces a growing epidemic of addiction that spans demographics and socio-economic classes, emphasizing the urgent need to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal-3 (SDG-3). Addressing this pressing issue, Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya in Dehradun organized a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session focusing on addiction and public health strategies.

Dr Mohsin Wali, Padma Shri Awardee and Senior Consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, emphasized, “We are witnessing a dynamic shift in our approach to tobacco cessation and other addictions. In this effort, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) has proven effective in overcoming tobacco addiction, but there is other novel, safer alternatives that could play a crucial role in smoking cessation. For this to achieve, we need to reevaluate public health strategies. Furthermore, the collective efforts of healthcare professionals and the broader community in dispelling myths and fostering awareness are essential steps towards a healthier society.”

India has approximately 267 million adult tobacco users, representing about 29% of the adult population aged 15 and above. This statistic underscores the need for comprehensive de-addiction strategies.

Kanikka Malhotra, Senior Clinical Dietician, highlighted, “Lifestyle changes can be a game-changer. Addiction, in many ways, is a lifestyle disease. Small but consistent changes in our daily habits can play a significant role in combating it. Incorporating safer, novel alternatives in sync with healthy habits into our routines can be a powerful tool in this battle against addiction. For this, India’s de-addiction strategies including tobacco cessation need to be re-evaluated.”

Dr. Neha Agrawal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Gautam Buddha Chikitsa Mahavidyalaya, addressed, “While tobacco smoking and substance abuse remain major concerns, the growing menace of internet addiction, especially among urban youth, cannot be ignored.” 

“Internet addiction, marked by a lack of control over internet use and its harmful impact on personal life, is becoming increasingly prevalent. Studies indicate significant variance in prevalence rates, with males showing higher rates of addiction. We must address this issue with the same urgency as substance abuse and tobacco smoking,” she noted.

The increasing addiction to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and smartphones among India’s youth highlights the need for comprehensive public health strategies and interventions. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including education, awareness, and adequate support systems tailored to the needs of young individuals. Embracing the principles of SDG-3 and science-backed innovations is essential for tackling the addiction crisis in India. Immediate action is necessary, and every step taken is a stride toward a healthier, addiction-free India.