Network for Peer led Drug and Alcohol Prevention

Why Recovery Requires More Than Punishment “Wives ,sisters and mothers do not always seek punishment; often, they seek treatment because they fear losing someone they love to addiction.” The recent remarks by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, where he shared that families had asked authorities to arrest their own children to save them from drugs, reveal the depth of helplessness many families are experiencing today. Indian Express Report At first glance, such statements may appear harsh. But beneath them lies a painful reality: many families are not demanding punishment — they are desperately searching for intervention before addiction destroys another life. Addiction Is Not Only a Law-and-Order Issue Over the years, while working in addiction recovery, behavioral health, and rehabilitation settings, one observation repeatedly emerges: Addiction rarely affects only the individual. It affects: families, relationships, neighborhoods,...

At Jeewandhara , we often say that recovery is not a destination—it is a journey walked together. And sometimes, the strongest guides on this journey are those who have walked the hardest paths themselves. This is the story of Karamveer —a Karamveer in the truest sense , a doer, a survivor, and today, a quiet pillar of strength for others. 🌿 From Pain to Purpose Karamveer’s journey began decades ago, not in comfort, but in struggle. As a young man navigating addiction, he found his way to Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation , where recovery was not just about abstinence—but about rebuilding life, identity, and dignity. Under the mentorship of Suneel Vatsyayan , Karamveer didn’t just recover—he transformed. What he found there was something deeper: A community that believed in him A model rooted in empathy, not judgement And a new role—as someone who could help others heal 🤝 The Power of Peer-Led Healing Long before “peer-led models” became a recognized approach, Kara...

Nada India highlights the ARPAN Project’s peer-led approach to addiction recovery, focusing on dignity, lived experience, and community care. The blog urges a shift from punitive inspections to collaborative learning, where peer educators and recovering individuals play a transformative role in building humane, evidence-based treatment systems. The journey of peer-led rehabilitation in India has taken a long road—from closed-door centers to heart-driven, community-owned healing spaces. At the core of this change lies ARPAN , a Nada India-supported initiative that champions peer-led drug rehabilitation centers guided by lived experience, compassion, and evidence-based practices. One of the biggest milestones in this journey has been the shift in how monitoring and inspections are conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) and its supporting units like the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). 🌱 From Closed Doors to...

Nada India Foundation, with its commitment to peer-led interventions, is working to integrate the TB Mukt Bharat campaign into peer-led drug rehabilitation centers. This initiative acknowledges the double challenge faced by people living with addiction—where tobacco use is often underestimated compared to illicit drugs, despite its significant role in increasing vulnerability to tuberculosis (TB) infection. By bringing TB awareness, screening, and prevention strategies into these centers, Nada India aims to address the critical gap in health services for individuals struggling with substance use disorders (SUDs). The approach focuses on: Peer-led TB Awareness: Educating individuals in rehabilitation about the risks of tobacco and drug use in TB transmission. Early Screening & Linkages: Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of TB among people in recovery. Tobacco & Drug Cessation Support: Strengthening rehabilitation programs to include integrated cessation strategies for both...

  Reflecting on Navjyoti’ s impactful journey and the legacy of its UNODC project, I’m inspired by how it brought together experts and communities to create transformative change. Yesterday, with Anuj and over 120 participants, I revisited these milestones, realizing their relevance today—especially as Nada India continues this mission, addressing how #TB and #NCDs disproportionately impact drug users. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how peer-led initiatives like these can be a learning opportunity for psychiatric social workers and public health professionals. Let’s also shine a light on the vital role of peer counselors in bridging service gaps and creating sustainable solutions. Your insights mean a lot to me. Join the conversation! Let’s explore how these stories can inform and inspire our collective work for healthier communities.  vsuneel@gmail.com 

It has been nearly eight years since the decision to enforce liquor prohibition in Bihar. According to some reports, this policy has resulted in a decline in domestic violence cases within the state. Additionally, millions of residents have benefited from avoiding obesity and associated health risks. However, the dark side of prohibition cannot be ignored. It has led to the rampant production and sale of counterfeit and spurious liquor. Cases of toxic liquor consumption have increased, leading to fatalities. Liquor smuggling incidents have also risen significantly. In Siwan, four individuals fell critically ill on Thursday after consuming toxic liquor. Tragically, one of them passed away, while another lost their eyesight. The remaining individuals are still under medical care. The Nitish Kumar government continues to face criticism for the unchecked availability of liquor in the state despite prohibition. The Patna High Court recently reprimanded the Bihar government and questioned ...