Chandigarh, June 4: To tackle rising substance abuse among the youth, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) on Wednesday unveiled ADII Yoga — a self-directed, minimalist yoga routine under its Anti-Drug Initiation in Yoga programme.
The campaign is part of a broader effort supported by the Union government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and aims to fuse ancient wellness techniques with modern behavioural health practices. Timed ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, the initiative is being rolled out with a simple yet structured routine: three 20-minute yoga sessions per week.
“This isn’t about preaching,” said DGP OP Singh, who heads the HSNCB. “It’s about giving people the tools to make better choices. Yoga provides discipline, resilience, and inner calm — all of which counter the roots of addiction.”
The module requires no formal instruction or studio space. Participants need only a flat surface and a towel, blanket, or mat to begin. No supervision is necessary — sessions can be followed through YouTube, mobile apps, or by practicing with a friend. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are the recommended days, but the structure is flexible.
Each session includes a three-minute warm-up, 15 minutes of rotating yoga postures — such as Tadasana, Vrikshasana, and Balasana — and a closing two-minute affirmation:
“I’m strong, my mind is clear, I choose a drug-free life.”
“Just 20 minutes, three times a week, can create a real shift,” Singh said. “The idea was to keep it sustainable, so students, workers — anyone — can adopt it without barriers.”
Backed by Science, Not Sermons
The programme draws strength from recent research linking yoga to reduced stress and substance cravings. A 2023 Lancet Psychiatry study found yoga effective in lowering stress levels. Another 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology demonstrated that even three weekly sessions could boost mental resilience.
“It’s not just physical postures; it’s a whole mindset shift,” Singh said, adding, “ADII Yoga aims to be a preventive movement rather than just a fitness trend.”
To increase participation, the HSNCB is encouraging users to post photos or videos of their yoga sessions on X using the hashtag #YogaYuktNashaMukt and tag @hsncb. The top 100 entries will receive a free yoga mat as recognition.
“By blending digital engagement with real-life action, we’re making it aspirational to stay clean,” a senior official noted.
Residents of Haryana are also being urged to attend local yoga camps on June 21 and kickstart their journey with the slogan:
“Yoga zaroor karo, drugs ko dur karo” (Embrace yoga, keep drugs at bay).
For those facing peer pressure or addictive urges, the Bureau recommends connecting with Prahari Clubs, family, or friends — and reaching out to the MANAS Helpline (1933) for immediate mental health support.
Built to Last
The programme has been structured with dropout prevention in mind. “We’ve kept it light, flexible, and encouraging,” the HSNCB stated. “There’s no fee, no formal class, and no performance pressure — only commitment.”
As Singh summed it up:
“ADII Yoga is about planting seeds of strength and self-awareness. If we want a drug-free generation, we must begin by nurturing the mind — and yoga is our most accessible tool.”
