The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment published a case study demonstrating the effectiveness of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) in supporting individuals recovering from substance dependence. The document details the journey of Mr. Mahesh Kumar (name changed), a 34-year-old resident of Yadagiri district, Karnataka, who successfully overcame alcohol dependence and established a sustainable livelihood with program support.
Mr. Kumar, previously working as a farm labourer, faced significant health, employment, and family difficulties due to alcohol dependence. Financial constraints and limited awareness of treatment options initially prevented him from accessing care. Through NAPDDR, he received comprehensive support at the Shri Vaishnavi District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) in Yadagiri. This included a 30-day residential rehabilitation program featuring medically supervised detoxification, health monitoring, psychiatric evaluation, and psychological support through individual counselling, group therapy, and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
The program provided additional holistic support including yoga, meditation, recreational activities, life-skills development, and family counselling to rebuild domestic relationships. Critical vocational training and livelihood guidance were provided free of cost alongside treatment, medicines, food, and accommodation. After four months of maintained sobriety, Mr. Kumar established a tea shop near Yadagiri bus stand generating approximately ₹12,000 monthly income, enabling him to meet household expenses and provide financial stability for his wife and two children, who have returned to school. The centre continues to provide monthly follow-up sessions, aftercare, peer-group interactions, and relapse-prevention guidance to support long-term well-being and self-reliance.