Research on drug dependence in India

The persistent problem of drug dependence has been studied in India from several disciplinary angles. The present exercise attempts to answer the question of whether these efforts have been able to build up a dependable and comprehensive body of literature. While available studies show the magnitude of the problem in different population groups, there are obvious information gaps which discourage attempts to evolve countrywide estimates. This is also the case with such aspects as personal attributes of drug users, socio-cultural background and psychological characteristics. Such data gaps show up further when processes of experimentation or abstinence, as well as psychosocial implications, are examined. These considerations call for the intensification of research activities, development of a co-ordinated research programme and the investigation of the problem from different disciplinary perspectives.