To address the alarming rise in drug abuse and associated substance use disorders, the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry – Centre of Excellence (IPGME&R – SSKM Hospital), under the Government of West Bengal, collaborated with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, to carry out six detailed capacity building programmes throughout West Bengal during April 2025.
What is the programme?
The campaign served as a pivotal initiative against drug abuse, with the goal of reinforcing response mechanisms at the grassroots and encouraging preventive efforts led by communities.
“These programmes were strategically designed to raise awareness, enhance knowledge, and develop effective prevention strategies among a diverse group of stakeholders, including correctional officers, police personnel, mental health professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders,” said Mayank Kumar, Assistant Professor at the Institute. “Our aim was to create a stronger, more coordinated response to substance abuse at multiple societal levels.”
Where the programme will be conducted?
The April sessions were conducted across police academies, correctional facilities, and the Narcotics Control Bureau. They featured engaging, audience-specific modules and training. Activities such as peer leadership development, inclusive discussions, and moving performances—such as the street play Nahi Nahi Bhoy at Dum Dum Central Correctional Home—brought attention to the social, psychological, and economic factors underlying addiction. These formats helped participants understand the value of early action, community involvement, and the need to reduce stigma.
Further, the initiative delivered hands-on guidance on promoting drug-free work environments and empowering participants to assist individuals recovering from substance use. Emphasis was placed on raising awareness, supervising rehabilitation centres, and involving mental health professionals for comprehensive care. Significant recommendations included rolling out similar initiatives nationwide, applying harm reduction approaches, increasing budget allocations, and establishing Addiction Treatment Facilities in every hospital and correctional setting.
Response of the programme
“This initiative saw an overwhelming response with 602 participants—far beyond the target—engaging in sessions on early intervention, counselling, legal frameworks, and community strategies,” Kumar added, “Renowned experts from institutions like NIMHANS, TISS, and CIP Ranchi enriched the sessions, offering critical insights into the needs of vulnerable groups, including adolescents, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and marginalized communities”.
The programme concluded with strong calls for continuous public sensitization, policy-level changes, and culturally relevant interventions. The emphasis was clear: shift from punitive practices to compassionate, community-centric strategies. With this path-breaking effort, the Department of Psychiatric Social Work at the Institute of Psychiatry reaffirms its leadership in the movement toward a drug-free and mentally healthy India.
