Addiction Business: Key Notes & Top 25 MCQs for UPSC Exams

Bhaskar’s struggle with addiction severely affects his health and creates deep sorrow in his family, highlighting the destructive influence of the addiction business.

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Bhaskar’s Story: How Addiction Business Destroyed His Family & Health

Bhaskar, once a bright young man from Coimbatore, fell into the dark trap of addiction during his early twenties. It began with occasional drinking at parties, but gradually spiraled into a regular habit of alcohol, tobacco, and even occasional drug use. At first, Bhaskar thought he could control it, but soon, his life began to deteriorate. 

His health worsened steadily. Chronic cough, frequent headaches, and constant fatigue became his daily companions. His liver started showing signs of severe damage, and his mental well-being declined, making him irritable and withdrawn. His parents, who had raised him with love and care, watched in despair as their once hopeful son became a shadow of himself. Their constant worry turned into helplessness, and their emotional pain deepened. 

Meena, his wife, struggled to hold the family together. She endured constant fights and financial instability as Bhaskar spent most of his salary on alcohol and cigarettes. Their young daughter, Ananya, grew up in fear and confusion, watching her father stumble between promises and broken trust. His addiction created an atmosphere of tension and insecurity at home, robbing them of peace and happiness. Bhaskar’s addiction was not just his personal tragedy — it became a heavy burden on his family, threatening their health, future, and unity. Only when he faced the harsh reality did he start seeking help.

Bhaskar’s addiction was not just his personal tragedy — it became a heavy burden on his family, threatening their health, future, and unity. Only when he faced the harsh reality did he start seeking help, realizing how big businessmen and mafia profit by destroying lives for their greed

A woman smokes despite clear warnings on the cigarette pack, highlighting the challenge of addiction and the limits of visual deterrents in public health campaigns. (Smoking is injurious to health)

If you want to be responsible for your health, family, and society, you need to understand the business of addiction. Although the business objectives behind the use of alcohol, smoking habits, and drugs that have become part of everyday life are not public, their effects are very serious. Although these addictions have become a business and are giving crores of rupees in financial profits to some, they are destroying the health, economic status, and social peace of the people. In this article, you will get a comprehensive understanding of the business behind drugs, alcohol, and smoking habits, their spread, side effects, and their prevention. It will change your life.

Summary: Understanding Addiction and Its Impacts

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Category	Summary
What is the Business of Addiction?	Addiction is exploited as a massive illegal industry targeting vulnerable populations.
Size and Profits of the Drug Business	Drug trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar global trade driven by high demand.
Side Effects on Human Health	Addiction leads to physical damage, mental illness, and shortened lifespan.
Family, Financial, and Social Impacts	It causes family breakdown, financial ruin, and loss of social trust.
Prevention and Awareness	Community programs and regulations are vital for addiction prevention.
Education and Awareness for Youth	Schools must educate children about risks and coping strategies early on.

What is the business of addiction?

The business of addiction is a commercial sector that is directly or indirectly based on human addictions. It is run with government permits and through illegal means.

• The production and sale of goods such as drugs, alcohol, and smoking products on a large scale.

• The use of advertising methods that attract people towards addictions.

• Making intoxicants palatable to attract children at a young age.

• Having a greater impact on poor people and pushing them into a socially damaging position.

How big and profitable is the addiction business?

This business is generating billions of rupees in profits globally and in India. But it is a business that is weakening our health and society.

• In India, the alcohol sector alone generates up to Rs. 3 lakh crores in revenue annually..

• Smoking products, cigarettes, and bidis are a mix of millions of dollars in the market.

• The drug mafia generates billions of dollars of black money globally.

• The business mafias behind these profits have a severe impact on the poor, youth, and women.

A bartender prepares to serve liquor at a stylish bar, capturing the ambiance of nightlife and the social culture around alcoholic beverages.

How does addiction harm human health?

Addictions destroy our physical health. This can extend to heart diseases, respiratory problems, and mental disorders.

• Alcohol consumption causes liver problems, hepatitis, and decreased brain function.

• Smoking habits damage the respiratory tract and lead to cancer.

• Drug use leads to mental illnesses, brain weakness, and addiction.

• If taken in the long term, the body's strength and mental balance are completely lost.

How do addictions affect family, money, and society?

The impact of addiction is not only severe on the individual but also on families and society.

• Conflicts with family members, stress, and violence increase.

• Financial stability is destroyed, and debts increase due to the cost of addiction.

• People who are addicted lose their ability to work and their jobs.

• The upbringing, education, and future of young children are at risk.

Categories of Addiction and Examples

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Addiction Category	Examples
Substance Addiction	Alcohol, nicotine, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, prescription drugs, LSD
Behavioral Addiction	Gambling, internet, shopping, eating, exercise, sex, work
Digital Addiction	Social media, mobile phones, video games, OTT platforms, YouTube
Emotional or Psychological Addiction	Approval seeking, toxic relationships, trauma bonding, and obsessive love
Chemical Dependency	Sleeping pills, painkillers, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs
Cultural or Ritual Addictions	Betel leaf chewing, kharra/gutka, religious substance use (bhang)

How can addictions be prevented?

To get rid of addiction, individual, family, and community-level approaches should be adopted.

• Undergoing detoxification treatment with medical consultation is good for health.

• Counseling and therapy centers provide scientific advice on addictions.

• Processes like spirituality, yoga, namaz (salat), and meditation provide mental stability.

• Support, love, and patience from family members help in reducing the attraction towards addiction.

• Coming forward for help and creating a non-blaming environment is key.

Why should youth learn about addiction dangers?

To keep youth away from addictions, awareness should be created first. Students and teenagers should be the main target.

• Awareness programs and campaigns should be organized in schools and colleges.

• Providing science-based information to the youth will give them the right perspective on addictions.

• Politicians and film personalities should give messages against addictions.

• Anti-addiction content should be promoted on social media.

• Showing attractive alternatives to the youth (for example, sports and creative arts).

Drug addiction shatters every aspect of life — physical, mental, biological, and social — as portrayed in this powerful and cautionary visual message. (Smoking and drug abuse are injurious to health)

Top 25 MCQs on Addiction Business for UPSC Exams

Practice the Top 25 MCQs on the Addiction Business to understand its economic, social, and ethical dimensions, assess exam readiness, and enhance analytical performance for UPSC prelims and other competitive examinations.

1. What is a "Sin Tax"?

a) A tax on religious institutions
b) A high tax levied on socially harmful goods like alcohol and tobacco
c) A tax on luxury cars
d) A tax on digital transactions

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Answer: b) A high tax levied on socially harmful goods like alcohol and tobacco
Governments impose Sin Taxes to discourage consumption of harmful products while generating significant revenue for the state.

2. The "Golden Crescent," a major hub for the illicit opium trade, comprises which three countries?

a) Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan
b) India, Nepal, Bhutan
c) Thailand, Laos, Myanmar
d) Mexico, USA, Colombia

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Answer: a) Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan
This region is one of Asia's two principal areas of illicit opium production. The other is the "Golden Triangle" (SE Asia).

3. Which primary neurotransmitter is exploited by addictive products to create a "pleasure loop" in the brain?

a) Adrenaline
b) Dopamine
c) Cortisol
d) Insulin

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Answer: b) Dopamine
Addictive substances and digital apps trigger rapid dopamine release, reinforcing the behavior and compelling the user to repeat it.

4. In India, the regulation of "Alcohol for human consumption" is primarily under the control of:

a) Central Government
b) State Governments
c) WHO
d) Supreme Court

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Answer: b) State Governments
Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, alcohol is a state subject, meaning states earn revenue from excise duties and set their own laws.

5. What are "Loot Boxes" in the video game industry?

a) A box to store the console
b) Virtual items purchased with real money offering randomized rewards
c) Free gifts
d) A type of virus

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Answer: b) Virtual items purchased with real money offering randomized rewards
Critics argue loot boxes are a form of gambling aimed at children, as they use variable ratio reinforcement to create addiction.

6. The "NDPS Act" in India stands for:

a) National Drug Policy and Safety Act
b) Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
c) New Delhi Police Service Act
d) National Digital Payment System

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Answer: b) Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
Enacted in 1985, this strict law prohibits the manufacture, production, possession, sale, transport, and consumption of narcotic drugs.

7. "Dark Patterns" in UI/UX design are used by companies to:

a) Improve user experience
b) Manipulate users into doing things they didn't intend to (like staying online longer)
c) Save battery
d) Reduce data usage

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Answer: b) Manipulate users into doing things they didn't intend to
Examples include "infinite scroll," hard-to-find unsubscribe buttons, and nagging notifications designed to fuel digital addiction.

8. Which international treaty is the first global public health treaty focused on reducing tobacco demand?

a) WHO FCTC
b) Paris Agreement
c) Montreal Protocol
d) Geneva Convention

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Answer: a) WHO FCTC
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) sets standards for tobacco taxation, advertising bans, and warning labels.

9. What is "EVALI"?

a) A new drug
b) E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury
c) An online game
d) A type of alcohol

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Answer: b) E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury
It is a serious lung disease linked to vaping, often caused by Vitamin E acetate found in illicit THC-containing e-liquids.

10. "Nomophobia" is a modern psychological condition referring to:

a) Fear of numbers
b) Fear of being without a mobile phone or network coverage
c) Fear of money
d) Fear of names

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Answer: b) Fear of being without a mobile phone or network coverage
Derived from "NO MObile PHone PhoBIA," it highlights the dependency and anxiety caused by smartphone addiction.

11. Which organization in India is the nodal agency for combating drug trafficking?

a) CBI
b) NIA
c) NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau)
d) ED

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Answer: c) NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau)
The NCB coordinates with various state and central agencies to enforce the provisions of the NDPS Act.

12. "Nicotine" acts as both a stimulant and a:

a) Depressant (Relaxant)
b) Hallucinogen
c) Vitamin
d) Painkiller

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Answer: a) Depressant (Relaxant)
Nicotine is unique because it creates a paradoxical effect—it increases alertness (stimulant) while also reducing stress (relaxant).

13. The "Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019" in India bans:

a) Smoking in public
b) Manufacture, import, transport, sale, and advertisement of e-cigarettes
c) Personal possession only
d) Export only

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Answer: b) Manufacture, import, transport, sale, and advertisement of e-cigarettes
The government banned e-cigarettes (vapes) citing health risks to youth, though personal use/possession was not explicitly criminalized.

14. "Fentanyl," which has caused an opioid crisis in the West, is:

a) A natural herb
b) A synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine
c) A type of alcohol
d) A sleeping pill

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Answer: b) A synthetic opioid 50-100 times more potent than morphine
Originally a painkiller, its illicit production and high potency lead to frequent fatal overdoses, often mixed with other drugs.

15. What is "Surrogate Advertising" in the context of the alcohol/tobacco industry?

a) Honest advertising
b) Advertising banned products disguised as other products (e.g., Music CDs, Soda)
c) Social media ads
d) Door-to-door selling

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Answer: b) Advertising banned products disguised as other products
Since direct ads for liquor/tobacco are banned in India, brands promote "Club Soda" or "Music CDs" with the same logo.

16. "COTPA" is the primary law in India regulating:

a) Coffee
b) Cotton trade
c) Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
d) Coal mining

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Answer: c) Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
COTPA (2003) prohibits smoking in public places, advertisement of tobacco products, and sale to minors.

17. Which psychoactive substance is the most widely consumed in the world (found in Coffee/Tea)?

a) Alcohol
b) Caffeine
c) Sugar
d) Nicotine

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Answer: b) Caffeine
Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. While legal and socially accepted, it creates dependency (addiction) in regular users.

18. "World No Tobacco Day" is observed by the WHO on:

a) 1st January
b) 31st May
c) 2nd October
d) 1st December

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Answer: b) 31st May
This annual event highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocates for effective policies to reduce consumption.

19. In the context of online gaming, what distinguishes "Skill Gaming" from "Gambling"?

a) Skill gaming uses dice
b) Gambling depends on luck; Skill gaming depends on player expertise
c) Skill gaming is illegal
d) Gambling is tax-free

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Answer: b) Gambling depends on luck; Skill gaming depends on player expertise
Indian law generally permits "Games of Skill" (like Rummy/Fantasy Sports) but bans "Games of Chance" (Gambling) in many states.

20. "Variable Rewards" (like a slot machine lever) are used in social media apps to:

a) Give money to users
b) Make the app load faster
c) Create addictive "Pull-to-Refresh" habit
d) Save data

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Answer: c) Create addictive "Pull-to-Refresh" habit
Not knowing what new content will appear (a variable reward) releases dopamine, keeping users scrolling endlessly.

21. Which state in India is famous as a "Dry State" (Prohibition of Alcohol)?

a) Goa
b) Punjab
c) Gujarat
d) Karnataka

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Answer: c) Gujarat
Gujarat has a long-standing policy of prohibition, banning the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol since its formation (1960).

22. "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan" is a campaign launched by:

a) Ministry of Health
b) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
c) Ministry of Education
d) NITI Aayog

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Answer: b) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Launched in 2020, it focuses on institutional support, community outreach, and awareness generation in identified vulnerable districts.

23. What is "Passive Smoking"?

a) Smoking without inhaling
b) Inhaling smoke exhaled by others (Second-hand smoke)
c) Smoking e-cigarettes
d) Chewing tobacco

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Answer: b) Inhaling smoke exhaled by others (Second-hand smoke)
Non-smokers exposed to passive smoke are at risk of the same diseases as smokers, including cancer and heart disease.

24. The "Golden Triangle" of drug trafficking is located in:

a) Europe
b) South America
c) Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand)
d) Africa

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Answer: c) Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand)
Historically one of the world's largest opium-producing regions, heavily impacting Northeast India due to proximity.

25. "Schedule H1" drugs in India refer to:

a) Vitamins
b) Drugs that can be sold over the counter
c) Habit-forming drugs requiring strict prescription monitoring
d) Herbal supplements

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Answer: c) Habit-forming drugs requiring strict prescription monitoring
To prevent abuse and antibiotic resistance, pharmacists must maintain a separate register for Schedule H1 drug sales (like sleep aids/sedatives).

Explore the harsh realities of the addiction business and how it controls lives. Learn how to regain strength and overcome through awareness. 

Conclusion

The addiction business is threatening our health, the future of families, and the peace of society for the sake of profit. This is not just a personal problem; it also becomes an obstacle to the development of our country. We as a society should realize the ill effects of alcohol, smoking, and drug use. While laws and government actions are on one side, personal awareness, family support, and community awareness should be on the other. Staying away from addictions is essential if you want to protect the future of yourself, your family, and society. The ways mentioned in this article will serve as a good guide for you.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	• Drug Abuse and Addiction – Coursera • The Addicted Brain – FutureLearn • Psychology of Addiction – Udemy • Public Health Approach to Addiction – edX • Youth & Substance Use Awareness – Alison
Reference Books	• "Chasing the Scream" – Johann Hari • "Clean" – David Sheff • "Beautiful Boy" – David Sheff • "Addiction Recovery Workbook" – Suzette Glasner-Edwards • "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts" – Gabor Maté
Websites	• www.nida.nih.gov (National Institute on Drug Abuse) • www.who.int (WHO – Substance Use & Abuse) • www.drugabuse.com • www.ncadd.org (National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence)