Substance abuse and addiction must be recognized as a social disease and mental disorder.

Press Release
Date: 27th September 2025

A two-day Workshop on Substance Demand Reduction was organized on 25th–26th September 2025 at SAMETI, Near Mashobra, under the banner of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, by Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse in collaboration with the H.P. State Government, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and Umang Gyanvigyan Stream.

The workshop brought together 42 organizations and social leaders to deliberate on awareness strategies, toxic aspects of drug abuse, and community-based de-addiction solutions.

Representing the State Chemists and Druggists Association (SCADA), volunteer Chandan Sharma emphasized:

Substance abuse and addiction must be recognized as a social disease and mental disorder.

Himachal requires an epidemic approach in the next six months – a war-like situation against drugs.

Scheduled medicines (like Alprazolam) are for treatment only and cannot be sold OTC.

Stigma of “Nasha ki Dawai” wrongly associates chemists with drugs that are not pharmacy products (heroin, cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, etc.).


Action Plan: SCADA will form an Action Task Force to focus on Awareness, Monitoring, and Treatment, in partnership with government agencies, the HP State Pharmacy Council, and NGOs.

Call for Support: Funding, training, and coordination from government and civil society will be critical to sustain this initiative.

Contact for Details:
Chandan Sharma
B. Pharma, PGDPSM
SCADA Volunteer Representative
📞 8627810451