Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) brought together educators, psychiatrists, narcotics officials, and students on 20 September 2026 for a Talkathon focused on the growing challenge of substance abuse among school-going youth. The virtual interactive session was part of the Nasha Mukt Yuva (Drug-Free Youth) campaign, aimed at equipping young people with awareness and refusal strategies to stay drug-free.

Who Spoke and What Was Covered

The session featured Alka Awasthi, Principal of Mayur School, Noida; Prof. Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, New Delhi; Anish C, Additional Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB); and Class 12 students Samya and Rohit from PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalayas. The Talkathon format — a recurring series of live virtual sessions — allows subject experts to speak directly with students and teachers on well-being and learning issues.

How Substances Affect the Brain

Prof. Nand Kumar explained that drugs first act on the brain by hyperactivating its reward circuit, generating intense pleasure that ordinary life experiences cannot replicate. This drives repeated use and eventually leads to dependence. He noted that while alcohol damages the liver and stomach and cigarettes harm the lungs and throat, the brain is always the primary target. Kumar also debunked the widespread belief that substances improve concentration, calling it 'a dangerous myth.'

Addressing the myth that occasional alcohol use does not lead to addiction, Anish C cautioned that even sporadic consumption opens the door to dependency, as the brain begins to associate the substance with relaxation, gradually displacing healthier coping responses.

Recognising Dependence and Seeking Help

Prof. Kumar said that mild changes in attention, concentration, focus, and sleep are normal indicators of dependence and signal the need for professional support. He stressed that seeking help should carry no shame. Principal Awasthi reinforced that no amount of drug use is safe, as substances create only a temporary coping mechanism that ultimately deepens addiction.

On supporting peers who may be influenced by harmful habits, Awasthi advised young people to show empathy and patience while clearly communicating concern. If a friend does not respond, the next step is to involve parents, school counsellors, or peer educators. Notably, CBSE schools already have peer ambassadors and educators in place to monitor classmates and escalate concerns.

The CALM Refusal Technique

The experts agreed that strong friendships and supportive school communities generate positive peer pressure that encourages refusal. Prof. Kumar shared a practical strategy called CALM: Clearly declare 'I will not take it'; Leave the situation immediately; use an Excuse if needed; and stay Mindful. The framework is designed to give students a ready script when confronted with peer pressure.

The Broader Message

Anish C explained that Nasha Mukt means understanding drugs and saying no, so that falling demand prevents substances from reaching young minds. The session concluded with a firm consensus: academic or social pressure is never a justification for substance use, and there is no safe threshold for drug consumption. With India's school population increasingly exposed to substance risks, the CBSE's initiative signals a shift toward proactive, expert-led prevention rather than reactive disciplinary responses.