Hyderabad Drug Treatment Clinic Sees 1300% Patient Surge in 5 Years: Unpacking the Causes and Trends

Hyderabad has witnessed a dramatic rise in people seeking help at its drug treatment clinics with patient visits surging an astonishing thirteenfold over the last five years. What’s driving this sharp increase, and what does it reveal about substance abuse trends in the city?

In this blog, we explore the key reasons behind the surge, how the clinics are responding, and what this means for Hyderabad’s fight against addiction.

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The Remarkable Rise in Patient Visits

According to recent data, the drug treatment clinic at Hyderabad’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH) recorded an increase from just 701 patients in 2020–21 to a staggering 9,832 in 2024–25 (up to January), marking a 1300% rise. On average, at least 30 patients visit the clinic daily, with some days seeing caseloads spike to 100 due to factors like withdrawal symptoms after excise raids on illicit alcohol outlets.

Key Statistics Highlighting the Trend

•  9,832 total patient visits reported in early 2025, up from 701 in 2020–21
• Over 2,600 new registrations in 2024–25 four times the count at its inception
•  Daily patient inflow averages 30, sometimes surging to 100 during crisis periods

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What’s Behind Hyderabad’s Drug Treatment Clinic Surge?

The extraordinary rise is driven by multiple, interconnected factors:

 1. Easy Availability and Affordability of Substances

A local increase in the accessibility and low cost of alcohol, adulterated toddy, and cannabis has contributed significantly to the rise in substance use and addiction, fueling demand for treatment.

 2. Post-Pandemic Anxiety and Stress

The COVID-19 pandemic has left mental health scars globally, and Hyderabad is no exception. Heightened stress, anxiety, and isolation have led to increased substance misuse as a coping mechanism.

 3. Presence of Dedicated, Accessible Treatment Facilities

Since being set up in 2020, the IMH drug treatment clinic has become a known, trusted hub for addiction treatment in the city. Increased awareness and accessibility encourage more patients to seek help rather than hide their struggles.

 4. Increased Law Enforcement Crackdowns

Raids on illicit alcohol outlets have led to withdrawal symptom surges, pushing affected individuals to seek professional care temporarily increasing patient inflow.

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How Hyderabad’s Rehab and Addiction Centers Are Responding

Hyderabad’s drug rehab centers, including leading institutions like Cadabams, have expanded their services to address this growing demand:

•  Offering holistic and individualized care combining medication management, psychotherapy, and counselling tailored to each patient’s needs.
•  Providing home-based treatments and regular follow-ups for patients preferring recovery in familiar surroundings .
•  Deploying a range of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family counselling to ensure comprehensive recovery.
•  Implementing aftercare programs to prevent relapses and support long term sobrie.

Understanding the Broader Hyderabad Substance Abuse Clinic Surge

The spike in patient inflow is part of a broader trend showing increased utilization of rehab centers and addiction services throughout Hyderabad, reflecting:

•  Growing recognition of addiction as a treatable health condition rather than a social stigma.
•  Expansion in the number and quality of drug treatment facilities and psychiatrists offering specialized care.
•  Enhanced community outreach and education efforts increasing awareness of available support.

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What This Means for Hyderabad’s Drug Treatment Landscape

The 13x surge in patient visits signals an urgent public health challenge but also positive progress:

•  Rising Treatment Demand: There’s an undeniable need to scale up treatment capacity and resources to keep pace with patient inflows.
•  Increased Awareness: Patients are increasingly willing to seek help, indicating reduction in stigma and improved health literacy.
•  Need for Prevention: The rise underscores the importance of preventive measures addressing substance availability and pandemic-related mental health impacts.

Conclusion

Hyderabad’s dramatic increase in drug treatment clinic visits over the past five years a 1300% jump is fueled by multiple factors, including greater substance availability, pandemic-related stress, and improved access to care. While this surge presents challenges, it also highlights that more people are stepping forward for help. The city’s rehab and addiction centers are evolving with tailored, evidence-based approaches to meet this demand, aiming for sustainable recovery for more patients.

Addressing this trend requires not only expanding clinical services but also strengthening prevention and community-based support to tackle the root causes of substance abuse in Hyderabad.

Stay informed and engaged as we continue to monitor these critical developments in Hyderabad’s drug rehab and addiction treatment landscape.