Drug addiction or a substance use disorder, is a significant and avoidable cause of illness and death on a global scale. Substance abuse refers to the chronic and patterned use of drugs in amounts or ways that are highly hazardous and detrimental to both the individual and others. The World Health Organization defines substance abuse as the persistent or sporadic use of drugs that is inconsistent with or unrelated to accepted medical practices.
The Kashmir Valley, facing the additional challenges of ongoing turmoil, is considered one of the most severely affected regions in terms of drug abuse. According to a report available from the United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), the valley of Kashmir alone has approximately 70,000 drug addicts, with women accounting for around 31% of this population. The youth, particularly those aged between 17 and 35, are disproportionately affected, as reported by the Government Psychiatric Hospital in Srinagar, where approximately 90% of drug abusers fall within this age group. While the prevailing turmoil in the state has been considered a contributing factor to the increase in drug addiction, it is not the sole cause. Various studies conducted in the region have identified other causes such as unemployment, relationship problems, and other factors as significant influences.
To address this issue, the state government has implemented several measures aimed at curbing drug addiction, including the establishment of drug de-addiction centers throughout the Kashmir Valley by the J&K Police Department. However, drug addiction continues to be a rapidly growing problem among youth at large. The range of drugs being used has expanded alarmingly, with substances such as narcotics, brown sugar, opium, morphine, depressants and alcohol being commonly used in the Kashmir Valley. Tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, benzodiazepines (alprazolam, diazepam), opiates (codeine, heroin, morphine), brown sugar, and inhalants (glue, paint thinner, petrol, shoe polish) are reported as major drugs of abuse in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Young people, particularly adolescents, are easily exploited by drug mafias, initially using drugs for pleasure and hallucination in order to fit in with friends and succumbing to peer pressure. But it impacts inversely and the drug addicts exhibit noticeable changes in their behavior, losing interest in their daily routines and neglecting self-care. They may isolate themselves and change their social circles, leading to irregular eating and sleeping patterns. Irritability, aggression, and lethargy become evident, eventually leading to involvement in criminal activities. The primary target of drug addiction is an individual’s health, which in turn affects the family’s economic stability. The harmony and happiness within the family unit are disrupted, and the drug addict experiences a lack of concentration, diminished decision-making abilities, and disregard for personal responsibilities, ultimately becoming a burden on society.
Timely intervention by parents, teachers, and elders plays a crucial role in preventing a significant number of individuals from falling into the trap of drug addiction. Parents cannot evade their responsibility in this regard. Furthermore, society plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process. During relapse or recidivism, drug dependents require social and moral support in addition to treatment. Eradicating drug addiction requires a collective effort at the societal level. While the role of law enforcement agencies is essential, rigorous and continuous programs of awareness and education are needed to combat this nuisance. Professional psychologists and counselors should be involved at the school level to break the chain. Drug addiction, in all its forms, must be discouraged, while support should be extended to drug addicts during their rehabilitation and relapse periods. Drug addicts are part of our society, and if we neglect them, the gravity of the problem will only intensify.On June 26th every year, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed, dedicated to raising awareness about the global issue of drug abuse and the illicit trade of drugs. It serves as an opportunity to highlight the harmful effects of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It aims to mobilize support for drug prevention and treatment programs, as well as to promote law enforcement efforts to combat drug-related crimes. But unfortunately, in our valley, we are deeply concerned about the alarming increase in illicit trade and addiction to life-threatening drugs among our youth, which poses a significant threat to our society. On this momentous day, let us make a personal commitment to work together and eradicate this destructive problem once and for all, safeguarding future generations from its devastating effects. It is imperative that we join hands, cooperate with authorities, and wholeheartedly support their efforts in suppressing and eradicating this menace. By doing so, we can contribute towards creating a safer and healthier environment for our community, preventing the degeneration of our youth.
The authors can be reached at sh**********@***il.com and ks**********@***il.com