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Context:

The Union government has invited proposals to set up District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in “gap” districts, as part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.

What are 'Gap' Districts?

The government has identified 291 districts across 30 States and Union Territories as "'gap' districts"; these districts currently lack any de-addiction or rehabilitation centers that receive central government support.

The states with the most number of 'gap' districts include:

• Chhattisgarh: 31
• Bihar: 25
• Madhya Pradesh: 23
• Gujarat: 22
• Arunachal Pradesh: 21
• Uttar Pradesh: 18

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)

It is a comprehensive strategy to tackle the problem of drug abuse, it stresses on reducing the demand for drugs through prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal ministry for implementing this plan.

Under the NAPDDR, the government supports

Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) => Residential centers that provide a range of services, including detoxification, counseling, and vocational training, to help individuals overcome addiction. The government currently supports 350 IRCAs.

Outreach and Drop-in Centres (ODICs) => Provide safe and accessible spaces for substance users. They offer basic services like counseling, first-aid, and referrals to treatment centers. There are 74 ODICs supported by the ministry.

Community-based Peer Led Initiatives (CPLIs => Focus on prevention and awareness. They involve training peer educators within communities to spread awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. The ministry supports 46 CPLIs.

District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) => The government is establishing these centers to provide a combination of services, including treatment, rehabilitation, and community-based outreach. Currently, 124 DDACs are operational.

New District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs)

The government has invited eligible NGOs and start-ups with at least two years of experience in de-addiction treatment to submit proposals for setting up these new DDACs by June 30.

It will serve multiple functions:

• Treatment and Rehabilitation => Each DDAC will have a treatment and rehabilitation center with a capacity for 15 or 30 in-patients.
• Prevention and Awareness => Conduct awareness programs to prevent substance use, especially among vulnerable groups like children and adolescents.
• Early Intervention => Work to identify children and adolescents who are using substances and refer them for treatment and rehabilitation.
• Community Engagement => Engage with communities and train educators to create a supportive environment for prevention and recovery. 

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Source: 

THE HINDU