The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment published a case study highlighting the successful rehabilitation of a 47-year-old man from Dhenkanal, Odisha, under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). The individual, Rajesh Kumar (name changed), had struggled with alcohol addiction for 23 years, which adversely affected his personal life and led to marital separation. Despite earning approximately ₹10,000 per month from his catering profession, he faced challenges due to limited financial resources and social stigma.
A social worker from ASHRA–Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), functioning under the Arun Institute of Rural Affairs in Dhenkanal, identified his condition and facilitated his admission to the rehabilitation centre. Through the NAPDDR scheme, he received one month of residential rehabilitation services including detoxification, individual counselling, psychological support, behavioural therapy, and motivational guidance. The program provided a safe environment and basic care to help him regain self-control and develop a positive outlook.
Following rehabilitation, he resumed his catering profession with renewed confidence, and his monthly income increased from ₹10,000 to ₹16,000 due to improved work consistency and livelihood stability. The intervention supported his efforts toward self-reliance and social reintegration. The case demonstrates the program's focus on providing accessible rehabilitation and counselling to help individuals overcome substance dependence and rebuild their lives with dignity. The release was published by PIB Delhi on October 15, 2026 (Release ID: 2323759).