As per the survey by Impulse NGO Network, the number of drug addicts in the state has reached 17,833 this year as against around 2,000 five years ago.
The figure excludes alcohol addicts which could well be a staggering number considering that alcohol related deaths among young males is very high, said the report which was released today at a convergence meeting of NGOs, UN agencies, government officials and security forces.
Recognising the gravity of the problem, the department of Social Welfare is working towards bringing out a State Policy on Drug Abuse in consultation with NGOs working in the areas of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, officials said.