Opinion | Combating Drug Abuse in J&K: A collective responsibility

As the world marks the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the crisis unfolding across the valleys of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) demands urgent attention. This year’s global theme, “People‑centered drug policies: compassion, human rights and evidence,” calls upon us to rethink how we view, treat, and respond to substance use- not just as a legal or health issue, but as a deeply human one.

In Kashmir, behind the stunning mountains and saffron fields, lies a growing epidemic- one that is quietly dismantling an entire generation. According to a recent report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), over 600,000 individuals in Kashmir struggle with addiction. That figure has skyrocketed by over 1500% in recent years. Yet, most affected remain hidden, buried beneath layers of shame, silence, and neglect.

India is home to nearly 7.8 million substance users, but the scale of the crisis in Kashmir is especially devastating. In 2022 alone, over 52,000 people sought treatment for drug dependence. Alarmingly, 90% of them were between 17 and 35 years old- our youth, our future.

The most commonly abused substances include heroin, cannabis, opioids, and prescription sedatives. But the drugs are only part of the problem.

At the core of this crisis are issues both visible and invisible like unemployment, trauma from the conflict that the state has known for decades, poor mental health infrastructure, lack of awareness, stigm0 surrounding going to see a mental health professional for mental health struggles or de-addiction itself and lack of support. With a staggering 22.4% joblessness rate in 2023, youth are trapped in a viscous cycle of despair. With little to hope for, drugs become a dangerous escape. Years of unrest have left deep psychological wounds. A Médecins Sans Frontières study found that 45% of Kashmiris have experienced major trauma. Only ~30 psychiatrists serve over 7 million people in the region. Many mistake mental health disorders for personal weakness, turning instead to drugs for relief. Addiction is still widely viewed as a moral failure, keeping those affected from seeking help.

Despite the existence of rehabilitation facilities like the Drug De-Addiction Centre at Srinagar’s Police Control Room, many never make it to treatment due to the reasons like fear of social rejection, discrimination in workplaces and hospitals, lack of long-term support, religious and cultural taboos and as a result this hidden epidemic is growing louder with each passing day.

The United Nations’ 2025 theme offers a clear directive: we need drug policies that prioritize people- with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care. That means treating addiction as a medical condition, not a crime or curse, building trust-based, voluntary rehabilitation systems instead of fear-based policing, strengthening community-led mental health awareness, replacing judgment with empathy, and punishment with support.

In Kashmir’s context, this is not just strategy- it is necessity.

Drug abuse is not “their” problem. It is our collective responsibility. Whether as parents, teachers, peers, faith leaders, students, or professionals- we are all part of the solution.

What can we do?

1. Break the stigma: Speak about addiction openly. Share stories of healing, not just horror.

2. Educate others: In schools, colleges, mosques, and mohallas- spread awareness about addiction and mental health.

3. Volunteer: Join or support organizations working on rehabilitation and counseling.

4. Offer kindness: Don’t shame the victim. Support their recovery with empathy, not judgment.

5. Report safely: If you know of trafficking or abuse, alert the authorities confidentially.

Thousands have walked the path from addiction to recovery. Their stories remind us that hope is not an abstract concept- it is real, tangible, and possible with the right support. Whether it’s a former user rebuilding life through therapy or a family standing resilient in support- recovery is contagious when fueled by compassion. Combating drug abuse in J&K is not just about banning substances- it is about building a just, inclusive, and healing society. Policies must meet science; science must meet empathy. And empathy must meet action because Addiction is the problem, the addict isn’t. If we fail to act now, we risk losing an entire generation to silence, shame, and substances. But if we rise- together- we can reclaim lives, restore dignity, and renew Kashmir’s legacy as a valley of strength, not sorrow.

Musaib Bilal is the author of two books, writes for local and national publications, and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Amar Singh College. He is passionate about youth mental health, social reform, and healing through storytelling. He can be reached at musaibbilal.216061@gmail.com