Bihar grapples with rising drug addiction as state remains dry for ten years

Bihar has been under a total prohibition on alcohol for the past ten years, a policy aimed at curbing substance abuse. Recent observations, however, indicate that the ban has not stemmed addiction but has shifted it toward illicit drugs, creating a new public‑health crisis.
Health officials across the state report a noticeable increase in patients presenting with drug‑related ailments, ranging from opioid dependence to stimulant abuse. Clinics in urban centres such as Patna have seen a rise in emergency admissions linked to overdose and withdrawal complications.
The state government has begun to address the issue by strengthening surveillance of drug trafficking networks and expanding de‑addiction centres. Officials stress that coordinated efforts between law‑enforcement and health services are essential to curb the growing menace before it escalates further.