Drug addiction is a widespread problem affecting millions of people today, and it poses a serious threat to the well-being of societies and countries. In India, for instance, the amount of illegal drugs confiscated by authorities has dramatically increased over the years. In 2017, they seized 2146 kilograms of these substances, but by 2021, the figure had skyrocketed to 7282 kilograms. This represents a staggering 239.32% increase in just five years.
The use of injectable narcotics, particularly heroin, has been on the rise as well. This overall trend indicates that the problem of drug addiction in India is steadily growing. According to data from the Narcotics Control Bureau, approximately 10 crore (100 million) people in India are currently addicted to various narcotics substances.
When we examine the prevalence of drug addiction on a regional or state-specific level, we discover that certain states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Sikkim, and Chhattisgarh have notably higher rates of cannabis consumption. This information comes from a national survey. In fact, the survey indicates that over 30 million individuals in the country use cannabis products, and 2.5 million of them have developed a dependence on cannabis. Additionally, the report reveals that 2.06% of the population uses opioids, with 1.7% of children and adolescents and 0.58% of adults being inhalant users.
Turning our attention to Jammu & Kashmir, the situation regarding drug addiction is quite bleak, especially in the valley. The region has faced ongoing political turmoil since independence, along with issues like unemployment, trauma, stress, and the challenges of modern life, which have contributed to making the valley a hotspot for drug addiction. Among the youth in Kashmir, drug addiction has reached alarming levels.
Epidemic of Drug Addiction
Recent data released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the year 2022 reveals alarming statistics regarding substance abuse in Jammu and Kashmir. In the region, 1.08 lakh men and 36,000 women were identified as cannabis users. Moreover, the report highlights that a staggering 5.34 lakh men and 8,000 women were reported to have consumed opioids, while 1.6 lakh men and 8,000 women were found to be abusing sedatives. Additionally, 1.27 lakh men and 7,000 women were ensnared by the devastating grip of inhalants. These figures paint a troubling picture of the substance abuse epidemic in the UT.
The February 2019 report by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences revealed a staggering statistic: approximately 600,000 individuals in Jammu and Kashmir were grappling with substance abuse, representing nearly 5% of the total population. Within this concerning context, the report also underscored the gravity of the situation by indicating that 4.91% of the population was actively using opioids, with 0.62% of the population exhibiting a significant dependency on these substances. This data underscores the profound impact of drug addiction on the region.
270 young individuals, aged 16 to 30, interviewed across different districts of Kashmir revealed that the primary factors driving drug addiction among this demographic were the persistent conflict and high unemployment rates. Moreover, a consistent pattern emerged from several studies, indicating that a staggering 80% of drug addicts develop their addiction before reaching the age of 30.
In a study led by Bhat et al., an even more alarming revelation came to light: over 90% of those surveyed were unaware of the drug de-addiction process, and only a mere 8% had knowledge of the existence of a drug de-addiction center in Srinagar, Kashmir. These findings underscore the urgent need for awareness and intervention in addressing the pressing issue of drug addiction among Kashmir’s youth.
In one of their enlightening studies, Dr. Maqgoob and Dutta uncovered a distressing reality: the Kashmir Valley is grappling with a staggering 2.11 lakh drug addicts. These individuals are ensnared by a variety of substances, including cannabis, brown sugar, heroin, SP tablets, Anxit, Alprax, as well as inhalants such as Fevicol, SR solution, thinner, shoe polish, paint varnish, and other similar substances.
A separate study conducted in 1993 shed further light on this issue, revealing that the majority of drug addicts were male, with cannabis emerging as the predominant substance of addiction. Equally significant is a study by Mushtaq et al., which emphasized that approximately 90% of drug abusers are poly-substance users, meaning they concurrently consume two or more drugs. For instance, an individual may simultaneously use cannabis, alcohol, heroin, or other drugs. This study also unveiled that the age of initiation into drug use typically falls within the range of 11 to 20 years old, underscoring the need for early intervention and preventive measures.
The surge in youth drug addiction cases has been intricately linked, either directly or indirectly, to the prolonged turmoil experienced in the region. Kashmir has weathered two decades of upheaval, resulting in an escalation of psychiatric disorders. This turbulent environment has given rise to a spectrum of mental health issues, including depression, OCD, PTSD, and drug addiction.
According to a comprehensive 2015 survey conducted by Medecins Sans Frontières, an alarming 1.8 million adults in Kashmir—equivalent to 45% of the adult population—have reported experiencing symptoms of mental distress. This distress manifested as 41% displaying indications of probable depression, 26% likely grappling with anxiety, and 19% possibly suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, while political turmoil plays a significant role in this epidemic, it’s not the sole contributor. Unemployment and relationship problems further compound the issue.
Peer pressure emerges as yet another substantial factor driving drug addiction, with a staggering 78% of drug addicts confessing that they turned to drugs due to this external influence. Moreover, the onset of the pandemic seems to have exacerbated the problem, as enforcement efforts waned while drug trafficking persisted, even amid lockdowns and restrictions.
A striking illustration of this worsening crisis is evident in the patient-intake records at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar, a prominent rehabilitation facility. In 2016, the facility reported 489 drug abusers seeking help, a number that ballooned exponentially to 7,420 in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, the figures dropped to 3,536, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this complex issue.
As the Kashmir Valley grapples with a growing drug addiction crisis, the J&K Police have taken proactive steps to address this pressing issue. They have initiated comprehensive awareness programs across three key districts: Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag. These efforts have resulted in the establishment of the Drug Deaddiction Center at the Police Control Room in Srinagar.
The Drug Addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Srinagar has diligently tracked and treated patients over the years, reporting a total of 15,294 cases seen in the outpatient department from February 2008 to December 2016, all diagnosed according to ICD 10 standards. This extensive caseload encompassed individuals with various substance abuse issues, including 472 alcohol abusers, 1,359 opioid abusers, 7,860 cannabis abusers, 352 cocaine users, 1,080 benzodiazepines users, 460 volatile substance abusers, and 3,741 polydrug abusers.
To further combat this crisis, the police have initiated “Mission Wapsi,” a vital program designed to steer the youth away from the clutches of drug addiction. These collective efforts represent a significant step toward addressing and mitigating the growing challenge of substance abuse in the region.
The most expansive district de-addiction center in the Kashmir Valley is situated at SMHS Hospital Srinagar, which witnessed a notable surge in outpatient department (OPD) visits, soaring by 75% to reach 41,110 in March 2023. This remarkable statistic translates to a new patient arriving at the OPD approximately every 12 minutes.
The findings of the 2022-23 survey, conducted collaboratively by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kashmir (IMHANKS-K), and the Jammu and Kashmir government, provide valuable insights into the demographic composition of drug users in the region. Surprisingly, the data reveals that 25% of these users are unemployed, with only 8% classified as illiterate. This diverse group comprises 15% graduates, 14% with intermediate education, and 33% holding matric qualifications, offering a nuanced understanding of the educational backgrounds of those affected by drug addiction.
In 2019, authorities seized 392 kg of Charas in Jammu and Kashmir. However, by 2022, this figure had surged to a substantial 497 kg. Heroin seizures followed a similar upward trajectory, escalating from 103 kg in 2019 to a concerning 240 kg in 2022. Additionally, approximately 51 kg of ganja was confiscated in 2019. Notably, an alarming three out of every four drug users in Kashmir have turned to heroin.
In response to this escalating crisis, law enforcement agencies, such as the police, registered 1,850 First Information Reports (FIRs) and made 2,756 arrests in 2022, marking a significant 60% increase from 2019.
The ImHance-K surveys conducted for the year 2022-23 offer a comprehensive view of substance abuse in the Valley, with 2.87% of the population grappling with this issue, and a significant 2.23% facing opioid dependence. The survey further underscores the pervasive nature of dependence on psychoactive substances, affecting 67,468 individuals across ten districts of Kashmir. Disturbingly, more than 90% of these users are young, averaging around 28 years of age. Within this overall prevalence, 52,404 individuals, or 77.67%, are dependent on heroin, signifying its status as the most commonly abused drug. Notably, heroin carries a high cost, with the average monthly expenditure for a user amounting to Rs 88,183, compounding the multifaceted challenges posed by drug addiction in the region.
Challenges and Recommendations in Addressing the Drug Addiction Epidemic in Kashmir Valley
The drug addiction crisis in the Kashmir Valley presents a host of formidable challenges that necessitate concerted efforts from the public, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Among these challenges, the illegal trafficking and sale of drugs loom large as a significant problem. The accessibility and perpetual availability of opioids cultivated in Kashmir contribute to an elevated consumption rate, driven by high demand.
To effectively combat this crisis, several key recommendations and strategies must be considered:
- Expanded Rehabilitation Facilities: The pressing need for more drug rehabilitation centers cannot be overstated. These centers play a crucial role in aiding victims on their path to recovery.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: A critical challenge lies in the lack of awareness surrounding drug addiction, detoxification, and rehabilitation processes. Mass mobilization efforts aimed at educating the public, especially the younger generation, are imperative.
- Enhanced Coordination: To facilitate information sharing, improved coordination mechanisms among law enforcement agencies, civil society activists, and the general public are essential.
- Disrupting the Drug Supply Chain: Targeting the drug supply chain is paramount. Law enforcement agencies should prioritize dismantling these networks to curb the distribution of drugs.
- Decriminalization and Rehabilitation: To better assist victims, there is a need to decriminalize addiction and provide opportunities for rehabilitation, ensuring that they receive the support they need to recover.
- Government Action: Government agencies must take proactive measures, including more arrests targeting drug networks and thorough investigations into any involvement of government officials.
- Strengthening Addiction Treatment Facilities: The Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATF) established in various districts within the valley must be enhanced and expedited to provide comprehensive treatment.
- Multifaceted Education: Educational institutions, NGOs, religious leaders, and organizations should actively engage in educating the public, particularly parents and caregivers. Seminars, symposiums, academic workshops, counseling sessions, and street plays should be regularly organized to disseminate crucial information to the target audience.
- Restoring Public Trust: Reinvigorating public trust in the efforts to combat drug addiction is imperative. This requires transparency and effective communication to garner support from the community.
Addressing the drug addiction epidemic in the Kashmir Valley demands a collaborative, multifaceted approach, and the implementation of these recommendations can significantly contribute to mitigating the crisis and offering support to those affected.
Conclusion
Drug addiction represents a formidable and multifaceted challenge, stemming from a complex interplay of factors such as political unrest, unemployment, stress, societal pressures, and peer influence. It is widely acknowledged that the health of a society is deeply compromised when it neglects its collective duty to foster a positive environment for its individuals.
Hence, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders, from government authorities to the broader public, to unite and confront this scourge that is corroding the very foundations of our moral and societal fabric. The collective effort of state administration, public support, and active engagement by civil society can serve as a potent antidote to this menacing issue.
As a society, we bear a profound responsibility to recognize that those battling drug addiction often grapple with feelings of isolation and alienation. Providing them with unwavering social and moral support not only aids their recovery but also empowers them to conquer this formidable challenge. By fostering empathy, understanding, and unity, we can strive for a society where the bonds of compassion and assistance are stronger than the grip of addiction.
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