Targets and Goals Set by the 12th Plan

In view of the fact that problem of incidence of alcoholism and substance abuse is assuming alarming magnitude, 12th Plan envisages an urgent need for effective counter measures through programmes in convergence mode. Recommendations for the XII Five Year Plan:

Goals

• To make an accurate assessment of the extent, pattern and trends of substances abuse in the country and identify vulnerable groups and areas
• To prevent people from ever beginning to use drugs through preventive measures to reduce both supply and demand.
• To bring the persons who have become dependent on substances back into the mainstream of society and enable them to live with dignity
• Universal access to preventive treatment and rehabilitation of alcoholism and drug abuse.

Targets

• To conduct a national survey within the first two years of XII Plan
• To bring out a National Policy on Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse within a year
• To cover schools and colleges in at least 12 major States under a programme for awareness and prevention
• To cover at least 12 lakh beneficiaries under the Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• 20 more RRTCs will be set up under the Scheme to cover each State

Strategies

A “Mission Mode” approach will be adopted to effectively deal with the problem of alcoholism and substance abuse though convergent implementation and focussed approach, closely involving State governments and institutions of local self-governments. Guidelines will be evolved in consultation with concerned Ministries/ Departments. The strategy will include the following:

• To evolve culture-specific models for the prevention of alcoholism and substance abuse and for rehabilitation of addicts
• To promote collective initiatives and self-help endeavours among individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction or found at risk
• To increase community participation and public cooperation in the reduction of demand for dependence-producing substances.
• To create and sustain an infrastructure of trained human resource personnel and service providers to strengthen the service delivery mechanism
• To facilitate networking among policy planners, service providers and other stakeholders, with an aim to encourage appropriate advocacy
• To establish and foster appropriate synergy between State interventions, corporate initiatives, the voluntary sector and other stake holders in the field of substance abuse prevention
• To launch a massive awareness generation campaign
• To promote and sustain a system of continuous monitoring and evaluation including self-correctional mechanism