The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) is a comprehensive national mission launched by the Government of India to address the growing challenge of substance abuse and to promote a drug-free, healthy, and resilient society. Recognizing substance misuse as both a public health concern and a social justice issue, the Abhiyan adopts a multi-dimensional approach that addresses prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term social reintegration.

The mission places special emphasis on youth, adolescents, and vulnerable populations, who are most at risk of falling into substance dependency due to social pressures, unemployment, mental health challenges, and lack of awareness. NMBA acknowledges that addiction often intersects with issues such as poverty, marginalization, family breakdown, and social exclusion, and therefore requires a coordinated and compassionate response rather than a punitive one.

A key component of the Abhiyan is awareness generation and preventive education. Large-scale campaigns are conducted across schools, colleges, workplaces, and communities to educate individuals about the harmful physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. These campaigns use multiple platforms, including community meetings, digital media, street plays, and local outreach programs, to ensure the message reaches diverse sections of society in an accessible and culturally relevant manner.

The initiative also focuses strongly on early identification and intervention, encouraging families, educators, and community leaders to recognize warning signs of substance misuse and seek timely support. Early intervention not only reduces the severity of addiction but also minimizes long-term health complications and social damage. NMBA supports counselling services and referral mechanisms to guide individuals toward appropriate care at the earliest stage.

Treatment, de-addiction, and rehabilitation services form the backbone of NMBA. The mission works to strengthen and expand de-addiction centres, counselling facilities, and rehabilitation institutions, particularly in underserved and high-risk regions. These services emphasize medical treatment, psychological counselling, behavioural therapy, and peer support, ensuring a holistic recovery process. Special attention is given to maintaining dignity and confidentiality for individuals seeking help, thereby reducing stigma and encouraging voluntary participation.

An equally important aspect of NMBA is social reintegration and rehabilitation. The mission supports vocational training, skill development, and livelihood opportunities for individuals recovering from addiction, enabling them to rebuild their lives with self-respect and financial independence. Community acceptance and family support are actively encouraged to ensure sustained recovery and prevent relapse.

NMBA promotes community participation and collective responsibility by involving families, educational institutions, religious and spiritual organizations, non-governmental organizations, healthcare professionals, and local administrations. This collaborative approach helps create a supportive ecosystem that discourages substance abuse and reinforces positive behavioural change.

By strengthening de-addiction infrastructure, promoting behavioural transformation, and addressing the root causes of addiction, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan seeks to restore health, dignity, and productivity among affected individuals. At the same time, it aims to protect families and communities from the long-term social, economic, and emotional consequences of substance misuse, contributing to a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)