“We want treatment, but where will lakhs of rupees come from?” — this fear is usually misplaced. In India, de-addiction treatment is available free or at nominal cost through the government system.
Where free treatment is available
- Government hospitals — de-addiction OPDs and Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATF) at district hospitals and medical colleges.
- Government-aided centres (IRCA and similar), run by NGOs with support from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
- State programmes — for example Punjab’s OOAT clinics and Kerala’s Vimukthi centres.
- Community outreach (ODIC) and adolescent peer-led programmes (CPLI) in many districts.
What is actually covered
- OPD consultation and medical assessment — free (a nominal registration fee in some hospitals).
- Medicines — usually free or at very low cost from the hospital pharmacy.
- Admission where available — stay and food included, free or nominal.
- Counselling sessions — free.
Find a centre in your district — entries marked “Free treatment” offer this. You can also browse the state-wise list.
Who is eligible
There is no income limit for de-addiction treatment at government facilities. Carry the patient’s Aadhaar card, any earlier prescriptions or reports, and go early — OPD registration usually happens in the morning.
If you are considering a private centre
Fees vary widely and so does quality. Before admitting anyone, it is your right to ask:
- Does an MBBS/MD doctor attend regularly — and how often?
- Which authority has registered or recognised the centre? Ask to see the paper.
- A written rate list — what does the monthly fee include, and are medicines extra?
- What is the admission period, and is money refunded if you withdraw early?
- When can the family visit? (A centre that does not allow visits deserves caution.)
- Is there follow-up after discharge?
Warning: Avoid any centre or product promising “cure in 7 days”, “100% guarantee” or “permanent cure”. Such advertising is prohibited in India under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 — and medically, no such treatment exists.
Insurance and other support
In some states and hospitals, mental-health and de-addiction admissions may be covered under government insurance schemes. Eligibility varies by state — ask directly at the district hospital or the centre, and trust the hospital counter rather than any middleman.
Not sure where to go? Call 95093 02114 — we will tell you the government options in your district. Free, and your details stay confidential. · National helpline: 14446
Sources: Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (MoSJE), NDDTC-AIIMS · Medically reviewed by: Dr. Brij Kishor Saini, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry) · Translated from the doctor-reviewed Hindi original · Last updated: August 2026
Next step — do not wait
Reading is the first step; treatment is the second. Find a government or recognised centre in your district, or talk to us directly — everything stays confidential.
Sabal Trust
Registration no.: 558
Sakatpura, Kota, Rajasthan — 324008, India
Email: sabaltrust06@gmail.com
Phone / WhatsApp: 95093 02114
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This website is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for medical advice. All health content is medically reviewed by Dr. Brij Kishor Saini, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry). 14446, 14416 and 108/112 are Government of India services, not operated by Sabal Trust. In any emergency call 108/112 first. The full website with many more guides is available in Hindi.