Top 10 Most Dangerous Drugs in India [2025 List]
India is witnessing a concerning surge in drug use. Nearly 5.7 crore Indians are addicted to alcohol, and around 2.6 crore people use opioids like heroin and cannabis regularly. Many of these drugs are easily available, socially accepted, or legally prescribed. It makes the risk of addiction even higher.
At Jagruti Rehab in Mumbai, we have treated patients fighting with addictions, from street drugs like heroin and crystal meth to prescription medications like painkillers and anti-anxiety pills. Even substances such as marijuana and benzodiazepines can lead to long-term damage if overconsumed. This blog has the list of the 10 most dangerous drugs in India based on their addictive potential, health risks, and impact.
10 Most Dangerous Drugs in India
Here is the list of the most dangerous drugs in India:
1. Marijuana
It is allegedly claimed to be better than alcohol and other drugs. However, long-term heavy use, as well as early use (especially in a person’s formative years), can have negative cognitive effects on a person. It is addictive and creates a dependence just like other drugs.
2. Tobacco
Tobacco can either be chewed or smoked. Cigarette smoke causes and spreads cancer not only among smokers but also among nearby individuals. The risk of heart disease and lung cancer soars with smoking, and nicotine addiction is common.
3. Alcohol
Moderate to high doses severely alter a person’s ability to learn and remember. Long-term consumption of large quantities, combined with poor nutrition, can lead to permanent damage to the brain. liver, pancreas and stomach.
4. Heroin
This drug is highly addictive. It was originally a prescription drug until the 1920s. Users build up a tolerance quickly and have to take larger doses. This increases the risks and leads to comas, blackouts, and sudden death.
5. Cocaine
Causes dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. Use of cocaine can cause death by cardiac arrest.
6. Benzodiazepines
Mostly used to treat anxiety, this drug can easily become addictive. This is a medically approved drug which can be easily bought with a prescription. Managing the use of the prescription is extremely important in reducing the risk of dependence forming.
7. Crystal Meth
In the short term, users will become sleep deprived and anxious, and in the long term, it will cause weight loss, as well as brain damage and damage to the blood vessels.
8. Morphine
It is an analgesic and narcotic drug intended to relieve pain. Painkillers can be very addictive, and this has been the most complained about in most of the drug and alcohol rehab centres in Pune.
9. LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
A powerful hallucinogen that alters reality, perception, and mood. While it doesn’t cause physical addiction, LSD leads to psychological dependency and dangerous behaviour due to its mind-altering effects.
10. Inhalants (e.g., glue, paint thinner)
Easily available and commonly abused by teenagers. Inhalants can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, brain damage, and long-term cognitive decline.
What Are the Most Used Drugs in India?
Cannabis, heroin, and some medicines made in India are the most commonly used drugs in the country. Cannabis is also called charas, bhang, or ganja. Many people take it because it is linked with some Hindu gods, and believe it is holy. This has made it more common in many parts of India.
» What’s the Difference Between Ganja and Bhang?: A detailed overview of their origin, usage, effects, and legal status in India.
Bottom Line
Whether it is a legally obtained drug such as alcohol or an illegal drug such as heroin, drug addiction can destroy lives. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. We must act sooner rather than later. If your loved one is addicted to drugs or you need help, wait no longer.
Jagruti drug rehabilitation centre in Pune or all over India has customised treatment strategies supported by doctors, therapists, and care. We are there around India to rehabilitate, reform, and reintegrate you:
Jagruti Rehab Centres in India
Frequently asked questions
Some drugs can be lethal if taken without a doctor’s prescription. Such drugs are painkillers, sleeping tablets, codeine cough mixtures, and anxiety medications. Taking too much of them may lead to cessation or coma. Spurious or counterfeit drugs may also prove dangerous and even fatal.
In June 2023, India banned 14 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs as unsafe or not medically needed. Such as Nimesulide + Paracetamol, Amoxicillin + Bromhexine, and some cough syrups.
No, Dolo 650 is not banned in India. It is commonly used for fever and pain relief, containing paracetamol. Always follow dosage instructions and consult a doctor if needed.
In India, legal drugs include opium (for medicine), morphine, fentanyl, methadone (pain relief), bhang (varies by state), and prescription drugs. Illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine are banned.
In India, the NDPS Act of 1985 prescribes punishments according to the quantity. For small amounts, the punishment is imprisonment up to 1 year, a ₹10,000 fine, or both. For intermediate quantities, imprisonment up to 10 years with a ₹1 lakh fine. Commercial quantities invite 10–20 years in prison and ₹1–2 lakh fines.
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Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre is a leading facility specializing in mental health, dementia, and addiction recovery. The team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and caregivers is committed to empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.
