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Substance abuse in Syalde (Talla Bhakura) village:A socio -Analytical Study Abstract Substance abuse today poses a significant threat not only at the personal level but also to the socio-economic and familial fabric of society. Its adverse impact extends beyond urban areas and has increasingly penetrated rural regions, affecting mental health and social harmony. The severity of this issue has prompted both the Central and State governments of India to initiate various programs and campaigns to address the crisis. On August 15, 2020, the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan" (Drug-Free India Campaign) was initiated with the objective of addressing the menace of substance abuse and guiding its direction and strategy. To understand the depth of this issue, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment conducted a comprehensive survey highlighting the widespread impact of substance abuse. Based on the findings, 272 districts across 32 States and Union Territories were selected in the first phase for intensive action to make them drug-free. Additionally, the campaign leveraged social media in 11 different languages to maximize outreach and awareness. Key implementation partners in this campaign included grassroots institutions like Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers, who played a vital role in mobilizing community participation and spreading awareness in remote and rural areas. This research paper focuses on a micro-level study conducted in a remote village under the Syalde block of Almora district in Uttarakhand. The objective of this study was to investigate the patterns and prevalence of substance abuse in the village, understand the extent of community awareness regarding the issue, and assess their familiarity and engagement with government-led awareness initiatives. The findings revealed that while most villagers acknowledge substance abuse as a serious problem with social consequences, awareness about official de-addiction campaigns remains limited. However, a notable number of respondents expressed a willingness to participate in such programs in the future, reflecting a growing recognition of the problem. The study also found that women and older individuals were more responsive, likely due to the outmigration of young men for work. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into the rural perspective on addiction and presents a strong foundation for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to develop more inclusive and targeted intervention strategies.