NASHA MUKTI JAGRUKTA (SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS): PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES AND THE ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Professor Dr. A. K. Dwivedi*

ABSTRACT

Substance abuse has emerged as one of the leading public health concerns worldwide, affecting individuals, families, and society. Alcohol, tobacco, opioids, cannabis, and synthetic drugs contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality, crime, and mental illness. While conventional de-addiction programs primarily rely on pharmacotherapy, behavioural interventions, and rehabilitation, complementary approaches are increasingly being explored to improve long-term recovery. Homoeopathy, with its individualized and holistic philosophy, has been proposed as an adjunctive approach for managing withdrawal symptoms, psychological distress, cravings, and constitutional susceptibility. This literature review summarizes the epidemiology of substance use disorders, preventive strategies through awareness (Nasha Mukti Jagrukta), available evidence regarding homoeopathic interventions, current limitations of research, and future directions. The review concludes that homoeopathy may have a supportive role as part of an integrated de-addiction programme; however, high-quality randomized clinical trials are required before definitive conclusions regarding efficacy can be drawn.

Keywords: Substance Use Disorder, Nasha Mukti, Drug Addiction, Alcohol Dependence, Tobacco Dependence, Homoeopathy, Public Health, De-Addiction.