The definition of insanity: Four decades of India’s war on drugs (opens original article in a new tab)

India's 41-year-old drug policy emphasizing criminalization and punishment has failed to reduce drug use, with rising addiction rates and increased stigma, prompting calls for a public health approach.

• India's drug policy since 1985 has focused on criminalization and punishment
• Drug use and addiction rates have increased despite strict enforcement
• UN and international bodies advocate for public health approaches over punitive measures
• NDPS Act convictions mostly involve personal drug possession rather than trafficking
• Punitive measures have led to overcrowded prisons, stigma, and limited healthcare access