DRUG ADDICTION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS: LEGAL FRAMEWORKS, POLICY GAPS, AND THE WAY FORWARD
AUTHOR – PRABHU SURAJ J* & Mr. AJAY KRISHNA**
* STUDENT AT VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)
** ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT SCHOOL OF LAW, VELS INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCED STUDIES (VISTAS)
BEST CITATION – PRABHU SURAJ J & Mr. AJAY KRISHNA, DRUG ADDICTION AS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS: LEGAL FRAMEWORKS, POLICY GAPS, AND THE WAY FORWARD, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (8) OF 2026, PG. 369-374, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Drug addiction in India has gradually evolved from being viewed solely as a criminal issue to a more complex concern involving public health, human rights, and social welfare. Despite the presence of a stringent legal framework under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, substance abuse continues to rise across different sections of society, particularly among the youth. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of a system that relies heavily on punishment while offering limited emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation.
This article critically examines the existing legal framework governing drug control in India and evaluates whether it adequately addresses addiction as a public health issue. It explores the role of the judiciary, the gap between legislative intent and practical implementation, and the social stigma that continues to surround substance abuse. Drawing from both doctrinal analysis and empirical observations, the study highlights the limitations of a purely punitive approach.
The article argues that drug addiction cannot be effectively addressed without integrating healthcare, awareness, and rehabilitation into the legal response. It concludes by suggesting that a balanced and humane approach, combining legal regulation with public health strategies, is essential for meaningful reform.
Keywords: Drug addiction, NDPS Act, public health, rehabilitation, criminalization, stigma, policy reform