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Updated: May 30, 2026

Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
Substance use and addiction research in India
Pratima Murthy1, N Manjunatha, B N Subodh
1Department of Psychiatry, De-Addiction Centre, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore - 560 029, India.
Substance use is a growing public health concern with regional variations and increasing use among women and children. More research and comprehensive policies are needed to address these evolving patterns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Substance use, both licit and illicit, presents significant public health challenges.
- Prevalence of substance abuse shows considerable regional variations within the country.
- Increasing trends in substance use among women and children are a growing concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the changing patterns of substance use.
- To highlight the need for targeted research and interventions.
- To emphasize the importance of policy development and implementation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized rapid assessment surveys to understand evolving substance use patterns.
- Reviewed existing national-level prevalence data.
- Examined preliminary neurobiological and clinical research findings.
Main Results:
- Substance use patterns exhibit significant temporal and regional variability.
- Women and children represent vulnerable and increasing demographic groups for substance use.
- Research on pharmacological and psychosocial interventions remains limited.
- Course and outcome studies indicate a need for improved patient follow-up.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for comprehensive policies and on-ground interventions for substance use.
- Further research is essential, particularly in pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.
- Enhanced follow-up for individuals with substance use disorders is crucial.
- An anticipated increase in substance-related publications in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry is expected.
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