NDUS 2025 AT A GLANCE

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Government of India is undertaking a National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in collaboration with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre , AIIMS, New Delhi. The Survey activity was initiated in July 2025. The Survey aims to provide State-Level and District-Level estimates of people using various psychoactive substances.

Objectives

  • a) To provide national, state-level and district-level estimates of people who use various substances and people who are suffering from substance use disorders (harmful pattern of use and dependence on various substances) in India.
  • b) To provide information on substance use and its consequences in the specific population groups.

Substances proposed to be surveyed

  • a) Alcohol
  • b) Cannabis and Cannabinoids
  • c) Opioids
  • d) Sedative-hypnotics
  • e) Cocaine
  • f) Synthetic Stimulants
  • g) Hallucinogens and dissociative drugs
  • h) Inhalants (volatile solvents)

Methodological approaches:

Since any single methodological approach is not adequate to examine and assess all the facets of substance use in a large and diverse country like India, the survey will employ multiple Methodological approaches:

(a) Household Sample Survey (HHS) in the general population:

  • To determine the proportion of people who use substances and people who are suffering from substance use disorders.

(b) RDS survey with multiplier among substance dependent individuals:

  • To determine the number of substance dependent people.

(c) Focused thematic studies:

To be conducted on specific topics or vulnerable populations (in some selected districts) which are likely to remain underrepresented in the methods above.

Note:The survey is being executed as a collaborative project between NDDTC, AIIMS and other Government Medical Colleges.