Srinagar, June 26: In a deeply troubling revelation, Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe drug addiction crisis that threatens public health and societal well-being. Recent government data indicates that approximately 14 lakh individuals in the region are ensnared by substance abuse, painting a grim picture of the situation’s scale and impact.
The breakdown of substance abuse in J&K reveals a wide spectrum of addictive substances. Approximately 5.4 lakh individuals are abusing opioids, 4.20 lakh are using alcohol, 1.4 lakh are consuming cannabis, and 1.35 lakh are inhaling various substances. A notable shift has been observed in the drug landscape, with opium and its derivatives now dominating over 90 percent of substance abuse cases.
The situation has reached alarming proportions, particularly with a sharp rise in the consumption of hard drugs like heroin and other opioids. The Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar’s Drug De-Addiction Centre reported that around 1,700 fresh drug addicts sought help at their facility last year. Between March 2022 and March 2023, a total of 3,036 new drug addicts visited the centre’s outpatient department (OPD), with hundreds more returning for follow-up visits annually.
Dr. Rather highlighted that approximately 80 percent of drug abusers use heroin, with many now turning to synthetic variants. He emphasized the increasing use of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, methadone, pethidine, tramadol, and carfentanil, which can cause various adverse effects including drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, nausea, and constipation.
In response to this crisis, experts and officials are calling for a stronger focus on preventive methods to combat drug abuse. Dr. Rather stressed the importance of approaches that aim to stop drug use before it begins, addressing root causes and mitigating risk factors. He argued that these strategies are often more effective and sustainable than dealing with the consequences of addiction after it has occurred.
Officials are also emphasizing the potential role of religious scholars in eradicating social evils like drug abuse. They suggest that Imams and Khateebs could use their influence to raise awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse through Friday sermons and community outreach. This approach could help parents better understand how to interact with their children and promote a ‘forget and accept’ attitude, encouraging those involved in drug abuse to seek treatment without fear of stigma.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to battle this public health emergency, it is clear that a multi-faceted approach involving prevention, treatment, and community engagement will be crucial in addressing the drug addiction crisis. The coming months and years will be critical in determining whether the region can turn the tide against this pervasive threat to its social fabric and the well-being of its population.
