Drug abuse and addiction is a social evil prevailing across the globe. India is also trapped in this vicious cycle and it has become a hurdle in its development. After alcohol, cannabis and opioids are the most commonly used substances in India. About 2.8% of the population of India is indulged in using cannabis products and about 2.1% of the population is engaged in using opioids which include opium, heroine and other pharmaceutical opioids. The present article discusses how drug abuse and drug addiction are different. It also discusses the causes and consequences of drug abuse and addiction. Further, the article also talks about various legal provisions to curb drug abuse and addiction in India. However, these laws are not efficient in curbing the menace of drug abuse and addiction and reasons for the same are also discussed.
