Srinagar, Aug 4: Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has stated there are an estimated 13.50 lakh drug users in Jammu and Kashmir, with the majority of them aged 18 to 75.
The Standing Committee, comprised of 27 Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, has specified the expected number of current drug users among children aged 10-17 years and adults aged 18-75 years based on the projected population in 2018.
“Seven types of psychoactive substances viz Cannabis, Opioids, Cocaine, Amphetamine Stimulants, Sedatives, Inhalants and Hallucinogens were found to be used by the victims, besides alcohol which is the most common psychoactive substance used by adults”, the Committee has mentioned in its report.
The Committee stated that around 1,68,700 children between the ages of 10 and 17 are drug users in Jammu and Kashmir, and they use cannabis, opioids, sedatives, cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), inhalants, and hallucinogens. The majority of them use opioids and inhalants, while some regularly use sedatives and cannabis.
The Standing Committee has informed the Parliament that 11,80,000 adults in Jammu and Kashmir are drug users, with the bulk of them addicted to opioids, followed by cannabis, sedatives, and inhalants. As a result, a total of 13,48,700 people are drug users in the Union Territory, and this figure may be higher because these estimates are based on the predicted population in 2018.
According to experts, Kashmir has been facing challenges related to drug addiction, like many other regions in the world. Substance abuse and addiction can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities.
The issue of drug addiction in Kashmir can be attributed to various factors, including socioeconomic factors unemployment, poverty, and lack of opportunities can contribute to substance abuse as people may turn to drugs as a coping mechanism.
The availability of drugs can be a significant factor in the prevalence of drug addiction. If drugs are easily accessible and there’s a lack of proper regulation, it can exacerbate the problem.
A lack of awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction can lead to more people experimenting with drugs, unaware of the potential consequences.
“Addressing drug addiction in Kashmir requires a comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders, including the government, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and the local community. Some essential steps include implementing awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform people about the risks of drug abuse and promote healthy lifestyle choices,” said an official. Though the security grid, notably the J&K Police, has taken strong action against drug peddlers and even seized their assets, additional efforts from society are required, with parents playing a crucial role in combating the issue of drug addiction.
