A silent human catastrophe is unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir as substance abuse-related cases have crossed more than 13.5 lakh people, with over 1.68 lakh minors below 18, including 95,000 addicted to opioids, reports said, citing official data.
The official data revealed by the government in the parliament showed that young children in Kashmir are falling into the trap of deadly drugs. The 8,000 are addicted to cannabis, while 19,000 are relying on sedatives, and an additional 46,000 are consuming toxic substances.
Meanwhile, a minute population indulges in cocaine, amphetamine stimulants, and hallucinogens. Apart from the minors, the adult population is also heavily affected. Out of 11.8 lakh adults between 18 and 75 who are primarily affected by substance abuse in J&K, about 4.47 lakh are addicted to opioids. 3.54 lakh alcoholics, about 1.51 lakh use sedatives, while 1.36 lakh depend on Cannabis.
Additionally, cocaine and Heroin are the other top substances used by drug addicts in the UT. The situation is alarming in Jammu and Kashmir, and if the administration, along with Law enforcement, fails to curb this menace, there will be a time when a whole generation or generations will be lost to these dangerous practices.
The other institutions, including social, religious and civil societies, must act to address this growing menace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Younis Ahmad, 29, a resident of Srinagar, said, “I have seen families getting torn apart due to drugs and other substance abuse, “adding it's high time to address the issue that has affected a large number of young boys and girls.”
Besides those who have been identified and listed in the government official data list, there are several thousand more users who haven’t come forward or have hidden their addiction.
Apart from this, there is fear of social rejection among the families of these drug abusers, the very reason that is restricting them from taking their kids to recovery centres.
Follow us
