Indian Drug Users’ Forum (IDUF)
"I left my family, but I didn't leave my drugs"
Shattering Stigmas,
Embracing Humanity
In the heart of small rural communities, the image of a person who uses drugs is often clouded by prejudice. Growing up in such a setting, I was taught to associate
drug use with bad character and immoral actions. This harmful stereotype dehumanizes individuals, stripping them of their dignity and respect.
However, the truth is that everyone deserves love, care, and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Being a person who uses drugs doesn't make someone inherently bad. It's crucial to focus on the person, not their actions. Harm reduction is about understanding and compassion, offering support without judgment. By recognizing the humanity in everyone, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic society.
VISION
To create a just world where People who Use Drugs (PUD) realize their full potential, access comprehensive health and human rights, and actively shape policies and programs that impact their lives.
MISSION
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To empower People who Use Drugs (PUD) in India by advocating for their rights, dignity, and improved quality of life.
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To champion the meaningful involvement of PUD in policy and program development, ensuring their voices are heard and experiences inform solutions.
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To achieve destigmatization and decriminalization of PUD, fostering supportive environments for improved health and overall well-being.
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To integrate the PWUD movement in India with global efforts, fostering a united front for advocating for PWUD rights worldwide.
Indian Drug Users’ Forum (IDUF)
"Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical condition, not a Crime"
Finding Purpose Amidst Stigma
As someone who identifies as both a person who uses drugs and a person living with mental illness, joining a supportive network has transformed my life.
The pervasive stigma from service providers, doctors, nurses, and social workers often left me feeling worthless. But being part of this network has empowered me, restoring my sense of purpose.
Knowing that my efforts are saving lives has given me strength and conviction.
I now understand that my experiences and struggles have value. This network has not only provided me with support but also a sense of belonging and importance. It has shown me that my life and actions matter.
Indian Drug Users’ Forum (IDUF)
"Minimize the Harm of Drug Use"
The Power of Opportunity
and Support
Being part of a harm reduction network and receiving peer support can be life-changing. Sometimes, all someone needs is a single opportunity to turn their life
around. This opportunity can come in simple forms—having a place to stay for the night or a regular meal. While we are not a housing program, we understand the importance of providing stability to support harm reduction efforts.
Despite the high frustration we face when societal resources fail our clients, we remain committed to offering the stability they need. Our work is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and opportunity. By providing a supportive environment, we can help individuals regain control of their lives and move toward a brighter future.
Do you want to support us?
By supporting IDUF, you're investing in a more just and equitable society. Your contribution will help us provide essential services, promote harm reduction, and challenge stigma, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals. Join us in our mission to create a world where everyone, regardless of their drug use, is treated with dignity and respect.
The need for advocacy was undeniable.
Health Policy design often overlooked the experiences of People who Use Drugs (PUD), creating solutions that missed the mark. Stigma continued to be the biggest barrier towards accessing support and services, with healthcare providers who lacked sensitivity and awareness. There was no collective effort, no unified front to address the targeted issues faced by this community. Support systems were fragmented, and a collective voice – so crucial for progress – remained absent.
Indian Drug User's Forum (IDUF) was born out of the dire need to unite the scattered voices of PUD, yearning for a change, but struggling to find a platform to freely voice themselves. The year 2010 marked the first meeting, a spark that ignited a national network for PUD by PUD.
Today, IDUF has become the much-needed platform for PUD to connect, share experiences, and advocate for a brighter and more inclusive future.
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1500+
Active Members
across India
20
Active State Level Networks
6
Active Zones
across India
Our Network
IDUF recognizes the power of community mobilization to drive lasting change. By uniting people at the local, regional, and national levels, we aim to create a strong and sustainable movement dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by drug users.
IDUF operates a robust national network of six regional zones, each led by a dedicated team.
Zones: North | North-east | East | South | West
Within this structure, we have established 20 active State Level Networks (SLNs) serving as decentralized hubs of peer-led support for PUD.
By fostering strong relationships with our SLNs, we gain invaluable insights into the lived experiences of PUD, enabling us to identify critical challenges, specific motivations and barriers, and inform evidence-based policy development. This grassroots approach empowers PUD to drive change and ensures that their voices are central to our advocacy efforts.
Support. Dont Punish
Support. Don’t Punish is a global grassroots-centred initiative in support of harm reduction and drug policies that prioritise public health and human rights. The campaign seeks to put harm reduction on the political agenda by strengthening the mobilisation capacity of communities targeted by the “war on drugs” and their allies, opening dialogue with policy makers, and raising awareness among the media and the public.
As a dedicated member of the global Support. Don't Punish campaign, IDUF actively engages in advocacy and mobilization efforts to promote harm reduction and drug policies that prioritize public health and human rights.
Every year, IDUF organizes gatherings and discussions to bring together members from across the country. These events provide a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and strengthening our collective voice. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we aim to amplify the voices of people who use drugs and advocate for their rights.