Govt to set up drug de-addiction centres in all districts of J&K

Srinagar, Apr 25: Due to the increasing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have decided to establish drug de-addiction centres in all districts of the Union Territory.
The Social Welfare Department has noticed the alarming rise in drug abuse across Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, they have approached the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to establish drug de-addiction centres in all districts of the Union Territory.

“The centre has accepted the proposal.  The government is identifying suitable buildings. Initially, they will be established in districts with high rates of drug abuse,” a senior official said.
The de-addiction centres will offer both outpatient and inpatient facilities and will collaborate with nodal centres to provide training.
Additionally, they will conduct research and assist in disseminating findings to enhance de-addiction services.
In 2018, J&K formulated its inaugural drug de-addiction policy with the aim of integrating de-addiction services into healthcare systems to normalize and destigmatize them.
Experts attribute the rampant increase in drug addiction cases in the valley to the easy availability of drugs, parental pressure, and a rise in mental health problems.
Studies conducted in recent years have shown an alarming increase in drug abuse.
One of the studies conducted by Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (IMHANS), of Govt Medical College Srinagar, has found that over two-third of patients in the study had started substance abuse in the age group of 11-20 years.
According to the J & K government’s recent survey, around 70,000 people are drug addicts in Kashmir, among them 52,000 are taking intravenous (IV) heroin. The common substances used by drug addicts in Kashmir are cannabis, heroin, and brown sugar.
In 2012, Lateef, a father of two, became involved when some foreign customers provided him with drugs free of cost.”
“These foreign customers initially introduced me to wine, then cannabis, and eventually heroin. I started using heroin in exchange for money from customers, providing them with company in this harmful activity. However, in 2016, he came to his senses with the realization that ‘Drugs ruin one’s life. It took a mental toll on my family members, but they still stood by me. I had almost lost hope, but fortunately, I came across a few people who helped me rehabilitate,” he shared.