Opinion | Saving a Generation, Tackling Drug Abuse in Kashmir

Kashmiri youth are now at a very crucial juncture of their lives. While drug abuse may have been an occasional social problem earlier, it has now taken on serious proportions, threatening not only families, but also the education system, as well as the workforce of the future. Evidence and medical statistics confirm that while substance abuse was primarily an urban problem, it has also spread to the rural areas. What is more disturbing about the problem is the age category of those who indulge in this activity. There is a significant number of substance abusers in the age group of 17-35 years, which is actually the most productive period in the life of an individual. It indicates that there has been a fundamental change in the environment surrounding the youth. With drugs easily available, pressure of peers, and increasing mental stress, the youth find themselves in a very precarious situation indeed.

The data makes it clear how severe the problem is. In Jammu and Kashmir, there are more than 13.5 lakh individuals who are using drugs, which is almost 8 to 10 percent of the entire population. Of these people, nearly 1.68 lakh individuals fall into the category of minor drug abusers, who are under the age of 17 years old. Almost 95,000 children are using opioids like heroin, which is one of the most addictive drugs. It is not a small matter but a huge public health emergency. According to government data, there have been over 25,000 reported cases of drug abuse over the last three years alone in the treatment centers. These statistics include only documented cases. The number could be much higher because many drug abusers do not report the issue because of the social stigma attached to it. There is another concerning trend where the use of heroin has gone up by leaps and bounds within the last ten years.

The ground realities suggest that addiction in Kashmir is significantly influenced by social and economic determinants. One such element is unemployment. Youth find themselves in situations wherein there are very few employment options available to them. This results in frustration and a lack of direction among them. Similarly, peer influence serves as a vital catalyst. The youth often come into contact with drugs via their friends or peers. Psychological disturbances further complicate the situation. Individuals suffer from anxiety, depression, or trauma, which causes them to resort to substance abuse as a means of coping with stress. Geographical susceptibility emerges as an important aspect in this scenario. Kashmir is proximate to the drug trafficking corridors associated with the Golden Crescent area.

The effect on the society is profound and apparent. There will be a breakdown both emotionally and financially within families, as reported cases have shown that some addicted individuals spend thousands of dollars per month on their habit, thus consuming funds that could otherwise be used for other purposes. Education is severely hampered by absenteeism or lack of concentration among students. There will also be a rise in crime levels because of drug abuse-related crimes such as robbery and trafficking. Likewise, there are dire consequences on health. A considerable percentage of the addicts who use injection methods share needles, resulting in a high prevalence of hepatitis C infections.

Efforts have been made by the government as well as institutions, but still, there is scope for improvement in certain areas. Programs like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan have reached out to millions of people, including 6 lakh youngsters in Jammu and Kashmir. De addiction centers, awareness drives, and counseling have been set up to combat this challenge. The law enforcement authorities have also stepped up their actions towards the perpetrators in the form of arrests and crackdowns. While all this sounds great, what needs to be done is that the implementation must be done in a stricter manner because there is a gap between awareness and behavior in most cases. Also, there aren’t enough rehabilitation centers for the number of addicts. Another major problem is that follow-up assistance is not provided to recovered addicts.

The approaches towards addressing the problem should center around three key aspects; prevention, treatment, and reintegration into society. The first step should involve prevention at schools. Awareness campaigns should be set up in an effort to inform students about the consequences of using drugs. Students should also be taught life skills to help them resist peer pressure and cope with stressful situations. The role played by the community should also be considered when addressing the issue. This involves the participation of religious leaders, teachers, and influential members of the community who can be used to raise awareness and eliminate the stigma associated with drug abuse. There should be improvements in the facilities for treating drug addicts.

The implementation of a specific strategy on engaging the youth will have long-lasting effects on the region. Sports, culture, and artistic ventures will provide a healthier outlet for young adults and lessen their leisure time. Employment generation will play an important role in solving this problem. Skill training programs that are in line with the labor market demands will give youth an incentive to pursue careers and become active participants in society. Technology may assist in spreading awareness via social media campaigns and counseling applications.

This situation is grave, but not hopeless. There are still many resources at disposal that can be used for the benefit of the community. Kashmir has a strong network of communities that may come together to address this problem. It also has rich culture and strong moral values that may help young adults in overcoming addiction and returning to society as productive members. What is required is consistent action, evidence-based policy formulation, and participation of the community in the process.

muhammadmuslimbhat@gmail.com