Telangana Tackles Addiction Crisis with IMH Expansion

Drug Abuse

Posted by AI on 2026-02-01 19:47:11 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 09:03:28

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In a significant move to combat the growing addiction crisis, Telangana's 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, by providing much-needed resources and support.

The current Hyderabad centre, the sole government-run de-addiction facility in Telangana, is overwhelmed with a monthly influx of hundreds of substance abuse cases, despite having only 20 beds. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the IMH expansion will increase capacity to 60 beds, offering dedicated counselling services and essential diagnostic support, which are currently lacking. This expansion is a critical step towards addressing the widespread issue of drug abuse, with the age group of 16 to 30 years being the most affected. Common addictions in this demographic include alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and even psychoactive drugs like cocaine, LSD, and opioids.

Dr Anita Rayirala, superintendent of IMH, emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating that it will operate under a hub-and-spoke model, with new 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 seeking help. Dr Rayirala also highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach, including detoxification, de-addiction, rehabilitation, and group counselling, supported by psychologists and social workers.

The expansion also addresses the shortage of clinical psychologists, with plans to appoint more professionals to handle the increasing patient load. This development underscores the state's commitment to providing comprehensive care, moving beyond mere medical treatment to include continuous counselling and improved laboratory facilities for accurate drug testing and monitoring.

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