Telangana Tackles Addiction Crisis with IMH Expansion

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2026-01-31 18:04:04 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 10:45:17

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In a significant move to combat the growing addiction crisis, the Telangana Health Department is taking decisive action by expanding the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda. This expansion aims to address the alarming rise in substance abuse cases, particularly among adolescents and young adults. With the current Hyderabad centre struggling to accommodate the influx of patients, the government is stepping up its efforts to provide comprehensive care.

The expansion plan includes increasing the number of beds from 20 to 60, a significant boost to cater to the hundreds of monthly cases. The new facilities will also feature dedicated counselling services and essential diagnostic support, filling critical gaps in patient care. The hub-and-spoke model, as explained by Dr. Anita Rayirala, IMH superintendent, will see the establishment of regional de-addiction centres in four districts: Adilabad, Nizamabad, Mahabubabad, and Khammam. These centres will each accommodate 25 to 30 beds, significantly improving accessibility for those in need.

The common addictions among the youth include alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and even harder drugs like cocaine, LSD, and opioids. The expanded IMH will focus on providing a full spectrum of services, including detoxification, de-addiction, rehabilitation, and group counselling, supported by a larger team of psychologists and social workers. This comprehensive approach, as emphasized by Dr. A Narendra Kumar, Director of Medical Education, goes beyond medical treatment, ensuring continuous counselling and accurate monitoring through enhanced laboratory facilities.

As Telangana grapples with this public health challenge, the expansion of IMH and the establishment of regional centres mark a significant step towards providing much-needed support and treatment for those struggling with addiction.

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