Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: The Odisha government is stepping up efforts to help people affected by drug addiction access timely treatment and rehabilitation, with district officials being asked to strengthen outreach and connect those in need with available de-addiction services.
The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has directed District Social Security Officers (DSSOs) to spread awareness about government-run de-addiction facilities and help affected individuals reach the appropriate centres.
Odisha currently has nine De-Addiction Centres (DACs) located at major government hospitals and district headquarters hospitals across the state. The centres provide medical assessment, treatment, counselling and follow-up support to people seeking help for substance addiction.
The facilities are located at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, VIMSAR in Burla, MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Rourkela Government Hospital and district hospitals in Angul, Balangir, Mayurbhanj and Puri.
The centres were later brought under the respective District Mental Health Units to ensure closer coordination between mental health and addiction treatment services.
The government is also working to improve treatment infrastructure. Dedicated buildings are currently available at the DACs in Berhampur and Mayurbhanj, with 30 beds and 10 beds respectively.
Specialist professionals are supporting the centres, with Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatric Social Workers providing mental health and counselling services. Most of the sanctioned positions in these categories are currently filled.
People undergoing treatment can access free diagnosis, medicines and healthcare services. Eligible patients can also receive treatment benefits through the PM-JAY and GJAY health insurance schemes.
The state is further encouraging the development of Addiction Treatment Facilities in government hospitals, while counselling, psychiatric care and telehealth services are being made available to improve access, particularly for people who may find it difficult to reach specialised centres.
Government data shows that 2,872 people received de-addiction treatment between January 2025 and May 2026 during visits to jails. This included 1,879 people who had previously received treatment and 993 new patients.
The highest monthly number during the period was recorded in February 2026, when 250 people received treatment.
The latest initiative places greater emphasis on reaching people who may need help but have not yet approached a treatment facility. Through stronger district-level outreach, the government aims to ensure that addiction is addressed through care, counselling, medical support and rehabilitation rather than isolation.
The move is expected to strengthen the state’s efforts to help individuals recover, support affected families and make treatment services more accessible across Odisha.