Explainer: What addiction prevention helpline offers at PGIMS-Rohtak

With drug addiction cases showing a consistent rise in recent years, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS Rohtak has launched an Addiction Prevention Community (APC) Helpline (01262-299091) to offer telephonic assistance and guidance for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. The helpline was formally inaugurated by Dr HK Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, on Friday. The facility will be available from 9 am to 4 pm on working days, with the tagline “Touch SACH (Stop Addiction Community Helpline), Be Safe.”

nWhat is the APC Helpline, and what services does it offer?

The helpline aims at guiding individuals and families struggling with substance abuse. While it is not a platform for medical treatment, the helpline plays a crucial informational and navigational role. Callers can receive awareness on the harmful effects of addiction and get directed to the nearest and most appropriate health centres across Haryana for formal treatment. In a state where families often face difficulties due to lack of awareness or access, this helpline will serve as a vital first step toward structured care. It will ensure patients and their caregivers do not waste time navigating a fragmented system and instead get a reliable guidance on the next steps, treatment procedures, and available resources, said Dr Rajiv Gupta, Director-cum-CEO of the IMH.

nHow will the helpline operate, and how many staff members are assigned to it?

The helpline will, according to Dr Gupta, be operated by trained counsellors who will respond to questions from patients and their families regarding drug addiction, its treatment process and the institutions best suited for care. Initially, the service is being managed using the existing staff of the psychiatry and mental health department. The helpline will be functional during standard working hours, from 9 am to 5 pm on all working days. Though at present limited in coverage, the PGIMS team plans to scale it up based on demand and response.

nIn what ways will the helpline benefit individuals struggling with addiction?

The biggest advantage of this helpline lies in its reach and accessibility. Many patients suffering from addiction, especially those living in remote areas or outside Haryana, find it difficult to travel to the PGIMS for every small query or counselling session. The helpline provides them a direct line to professional advice without leaving home. For patients hesitant to seek help due to stigma, this discreet and anonymous approach offers a lifeline. It also reduces unnecessary visits to the hospital for basic information, allowing the PGIMS to focus resources on critical cases. The helpline can especially benefit first-time callers, who are unsure of the process or are seeking help for a loved one. Importantly, anyone from anywhere in India or abroad can dial in and receive guidance.

nWhat prompted the launch of the helpline, and why is it considered necessary?

Families and patients often find it difficult to access the right treatment for addiction. With the sensitive nature of drug abuse, people frequently fall victim to unverified or dangerous advice before reaching medical professionals. In many cases, the lack of proper information causes delays that worsen the patient’s condition. Until now, most of these concerns can only be addressed in person at the PGIMS. However, considering the logistical and emotional burden on the families, the IMH recognised the need to decentralise access to expert guidance. The helpline bridges this critical gap offering safe, immediate and expert advice from the comfort of one’s home. It’s a step toward making addiction care more patient-friendly and accessible.

nHow many cases of drug addiction are typically reported at the PGIMS?

The PGIMS at present sees an average of 40 cases of drug or alcohol addiction every day. The centre follows a structured treatment pathway: the patients undergo evaluation and those with serious withdrawal symptoms or complications are admitted. Others are offered outpatient counselling and medication as part of a de-addiction programme. The hospital also ensures regular follow-up, helping patients maintain progress and avoid relapse.

nWhat trends have been observed in drug addiction cases at the PGIMS over recent years?

The trends at the PGIMS point to a worrying shift in both age and complexity of substance abuse cases. Increasingly, young people are reporting harmful use of substances. Not only are they using multiple drugs, but newer forms of psychotropic and synthetic substances are also making their way into local communities. This has made diagnosis and treatment more complicated. Many patients today suffer from co-occurring mental health issues, making early intervention and continuous support even more essential, said Dr Rajeev Gupta.