“Dwelling upon sensory objects creates attachment; attachment generates desire.” — Bhagavad Gita (2.62)
Prof. ( Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo
The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita offers a profound insight into the psychology of addiction. It explains how attachment develops into desire and eventually leads to destructive behaviour. This sequence mirrors the modern understanding of addiction, making the ancient scripture remarkably relevant to contemporary challenges.
A Growing Global Concern
Humanity today stands at a paradoxical crossroads. While scientific and technological progress has created unprecedented opportunities for prosperity and connectivity, societies across the world are also confronting serious social and health crises. Among them, drug abuse and illicit trafficking have emerged as major threats to public health, social harmony, economic development and global security.
Recognising the gravity of the problem, the United Nations observes June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The observance seeks to strengthen international cooperation and encourage collective action against substance abuse and drug trafficking.
The drug landscape has changed dramatically over the years. Traditional narcotics have been joined by synthetic drugs, designer substances, online trafficking networks and technologically sophisticated criminal organisations. As a result, drug abuse is no longer merely a health issue or a law-and-order concern; it is a multidimensional challenge affecting individuals, families, communities and nations.
The theme for 2026, centred on “Foresight, Innovation and Solidarity,” reflects the urgent need for comprehensive responses involving prevention, treatment, recovery and international cooperation.
Understanding Addiction Beyond Medicine
Modern research confirms that addiction is a complex phenomenon shaped by biological, psychological, social and environmental factors. Addictive substances alter the brain’s reward system, creating temporary pleasure while gradually reducing natural sources of satisfaction. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to compulsive behaviour despite harmful consequences.
Psychological factors such as trauma, anxiety, depression, loneliness, low self-esteem and emotional distress frequently contribute to substance abuse. Social conditions, including unemployment, family instability, peer pressure and social exclusion, further increase vulnerability.
Yet an often-overlooked dimension is spiritual emptiness. Many individuals turn to intoxicants not merely for pleasure but to escape inner dissatisfaction, purposelessness and emotional fragmentation. Addiction ultimately destroys physical health, mental well-being, family relationships, educational opportunities, economic productivity and social harmony. Most tragically, it deprives individuals of their inherent dignity and spiritual potential.
The Katha Upanishad reminds us: “Know the Self as the master of the chariot and the body as the chariot itself.” When the inner self loses control, destructive habits begin to dominate life.
The Indian Response: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
India has intensified its efforts against substance abuse through the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). The initiative aims to raise awareness among youth, prevent substance abuse, strengthen rehabilitation services, encourage community participation and promote healthy lifestyles.
The campaign reflects India’s long-standing civilisational belief that true freedom comes through self-mastery and responsible living. Its vision is not merely the elimination of drugs but the creation of a healthy, productive and value-based society.
Addiction as a Crisis of Consciousness
While medical science explains addiction through neurological and psychological frameworks, spiritual traditions often view it as a crisis of consciousness.
According to the Brahma Kumaris philosophy, human beings are not merely physical entities but eternal souls endowed with peace, purity, love, wisdom and bliss. When individuals become disconnected from these innate qualities, they frequently seek artificial substitutes through alcohol, narcotics, tobacco, gambling, digital addictions and other compulsive behaviours.
What often begins as experimentation gradually develops into dependency. The Bhagavad Gita’s warning about attachment and desire provides a powerful explanation of how addictive tendencies take root and gain control over human behaviour.
Spirituality as Prevention and Recovery
The Brahma Kumaris movement emphasises self-realisation as the foundation of freedom from addiction. The simple awareness, “I am a peaceful soul,” can become a transformative psychological and spiritual intervention.
RajYoga Meditation helps individuals develop self-respect, strengthen willpower, manage stress, heal emotional wounds and cultivate positive thinking. Numerous rehabilitation programmes worldwide have increasingly recognised the value of meditation and mindfulness practices in supporting recovery.
The Bhagavad Gita (2.59) states that attraction to lower pleasures fades when one experiences a higher form of joy. This principle lies at the heart of spiritual recovery. When people experience inner fulfilment and peace, the craving for artificial intoxication naturally weakens.
Youth: The Key to a Drug-Free Future
Young people are both the most vulnerable group and the greatest hope for change. Today’s youth face immense pressures arising from academic competition, social media influences, peer expectations, identity struggles, unemployment concerns and emotional isolation.
Substances are often falsely projected as pathways to confidence, pleasure or escape. However, history repeatedly demonstrates that success and greatness are built on discipline, character and perseverance.
Educational institutions therefore have a crucial role in promoting value education, life skills, emotional intelligence, meditation practices, sports, creative engagement and community service. Such initiatives strengthen resilience and reduce the risk of substance abuse.
Swami Vivekananda’s inspiring call remains relevant: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
Family and Community: The First Line of Defence
The family remains the most effective institution for preventing substance abuse. Research consistently shows that strong emotional bonds, open communication and supportive relationships significantly reduce the likelihood of addiction.
Parents can contribute by providing emotional security, modelling healthy behaviour, monitoring peer influences and nurturing ethical and spiritual values.
Beyond families, communities must create supportive ecosystems involving schools, colleges, healthcare institutions, religious organisations, NGOs, law enforcement agencies, youth groups and media organisations.
The Rig Veda’s message, “Move together, speak together, let your minds be united,” captures the spirit of collective responsibility essential for building a drug-free society.
Technology: A Challenge and an Opportunity
The digital era presents both risks and possibilities. While online platforms have enabled new forms of drug trafficking and recruitment, technology can also become a powerful tool for prevention and recovery.
(Prof. ( Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo, Faculty, Brahma Kumaris & Professor (Ex-Dean & Head), Faculty of Education, Rajiv Gandhi (Central) University, Itanagar; Cell- 8837245051, 9436042658; Email: [email protected] , [email protected] )
Artificial intelligence-based risk detection, telemedicine, online counselling, digital awareness campaigns, recovery support applications and community reporting mechanisms can significantly strengthen anti-drug initiatives.
The United Nations’ emphasis on innovation highlights the importance of using technology to counter increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks.
Recovery and Human Dignity
Recovery is far more than abstinence from substances. It is the restoration of hope, self-worth, relationships, purpose and spiritual identity.
Global best practices increasingly emphasise prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration rather than stigma and exclusion. Every individual struggling with addiction deserves compassion, understanding and an opportunity to rebuild life.
The ancient prayer “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah”—”May all be happy and free from illness”—reflects this inclusive vision.
Towards a Drug-Free India and a Healthier World
A sustainable solution to drug abuse cannot rely solely on law enforcement. It requires a balanced integration of education, public health, rehabilitation, community participation, spiritual awakening and effective governance.
The vision of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aligns closely with the Brahma Kumaris’ emphasis on inner transformation. When external regulation is complemented by self-regulation, lasting change becomes possible.
The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is more than a symbolic observance. It is a call for humanity to reclaim its moral, social and spiritual foundations. As societies confront increasingly complex forms of addiction and trafficking, the path forward lies in combining science, policy, education, spirituality and collective responsibility.
Ultimately, the most powerful antidote to addiction is not fear but enlightenment; not punishment alone but empowerment; not merely abstinence but awakening. By moving from intoxication to illumination, dependency to dignity, and addiction to self-realisation, humanity can advance towards the shared vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat and a truly drug-free world.
(The Author is a Faculty, Brahma Kumaris & Professor (Ex-Dean & Head), Faculty of Education, Rajiv Gandhi (Central) University, Itanagar; Cell- 8837245051, 9436042658; Email: [email protected] , [email protected] )
