Opinion | Understanding Drug Trafficking & Drug Abuse!

Let me start this article with the famous verse of Allama Iqbal (RA)

“Nasha Pila Ke Girana To Sabko Aata Hai, Mazaa To Tab Hai K Ghirtoon Ko Thaam Lae Saaqi” – Allama Iqbal (RA)
The drug trafficking literally means an illicit trade involving the cultivation,manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition. But we have been witnessing such cases with each passing day in Kashmir which is quite alarming. We have to be aware about the trafficking unless we will watch something unexpected in our young generation and societies.
It is very serious if watched minutely like production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs. It can ravage the entire society without taking much time. Drug trafficking is one of the most serious problems for most countries all over the world. Unfortunately this type of business is rather profitable, if not to consider that it is constantly related to murders, kidnapping, prostitution and other crimes. Drug trafficking is a social problem that harms the youth and families and the money it generates is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security. Actually drug trafficking is often associated with other forms of crime such as terrorism, money laundering and corruption. Whether drug is being trafficked or addiction both can devastate the entire complexion. Drug trafficking in Kashmir is a serious issue that poses challenges to the social, economic and political. The illegal trade of drugs has been a persistent problem and it continues to evolve and become more sophisticated with new technologies and methods.
It is important to address these emerging challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the well being and safety of society.
There is a lack of awareness among people about the dangers of drug abuse and many people don’t know how to identify drug abuse or how to get help. Young people who are not educated about the risk of drugs are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to drug traffickers. Drug addiction is a disease that affects a person’s behaviour and leads to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drugs or medicine.
Substances such as alcohol and nicotine are also considered drugs. Even though the person may know that the drugs are harming his body he cannot control his urge to consume more and more drugs. The addiction makes an individual dependent. Let me mention here the tale of my colleague who is addicted to smoking and his opinion regarding the smoking is that by quitting this bad habit makes an individual dependent on the first week later decreases the same position, which he actually wants to point out that will power can remove or quit the bad habit. Drug addiction is a complex disease and quitting usually takes more than good intentions and will power. Researchers are of the opinion that drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. In the beginning the decision to take drugs is voluntary for most of the people but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to drugs. It is common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn’t mean that drug treatment doesn’t work, but lack of willpower.
The long term drug causes different changes in the brain and affects functions that include. Learning, judgement, decision making, stress, memory, behavior etc. Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes many people who use drugs continue to take them due to the nature of addiction. A person’s environment includes many different influences from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress and parental guidance can greatly effect a person’s likelihood of drug use andaddiction.
Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you are addicted to drugs you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. We have been witnessing some unexpected or surprising events occurring in rural and urban areas such as the killing of mothers and daughters by kins due to the increase of addiction by the people. Our young generation is rapidly heading towards addiction which is the most sensitive issue, which needs ro be addressed.
The civil society should play an active role in curbing this menace. J and K police is absolutely doing a wonderful job in order to curb the trafficking and addiction, as well as solving the grave issues related to it. The heart wrenching incident that took place a month in Khurhama of Kupwara where a father stabbed to death his daughter after picking her in his own vehicle and strangling her. The father was addicted and he didn’t know what he was doing? which clearly indicated that drugs devastate the brain of an individual. The same case occurred in Sopore where a son killed her mother which is quite evident from the effect of drug addiction.
If you are depressed, have trouble paying attention or worry constantly, you have higher chances of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better. A history of trauma in your life also makes you more likely to have addiction.
Children’s brains are still growing and drug use can change that. So taking drugs at an early age may make you likely to get addicted when you get older.If your parents or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs you are more likely as well. Women or men are equally likely to become addicted. Impact of drug abuse can affect almost all organs in the human body, drug use can weaken the immune system, increase susceptibility to infections, and cause cardiovascular conditions ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injected drugs can also lead to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves causing the liver to have to work harder, possibly causing significant damage or liver failure. Drug addiction refers to consumption of harmful substances that affects a person’s mental as well as physical health. It involves taking dangerous and excessive consumption of legal and illegal drugs which leads to changes in a person’s behavior. It is a method of self destruction.
The misguided teenagers and frustrated adults are prey to this habit. If the responsible citizens of the society will not take note of it that teens are engaged in taking drugs or becoming addicted then the day is not far when these goons are going to disrespect any one of the society, be they men, women etc. We must create a welfare society inorder to curb the menace.
The school going children are not safe if the rate of addiction increases in society. Police are doing a commendable job to curb it at grassroots level. Drug abuse is now a social as well as cultural problem for today’s generation as it has started polluting the minds and morals of youth.
Drug addiction weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection. Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessels infections from injected drugs. Nausea and abdominal pain which can also change appetite and weight loss. Addiction can create problems with memory, attention and decision making will make daily living more difficult.
Global effects of drugs on the body such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature which can lead to other health problems. With 2.5 percent of the population using drugs, kashmir has emerged as the country’s top drug affected region, ahead of Punjab where 1.2 percent of the population reportedly addicted to drug abuse. In Kashmir particularly in rural cum far flung areas we must set up an organization headed by a well known senior citizen who will look keenly into the internal affairs of the society to guide the adults and find a way to bring them back from the clutches of addiction. If such initiatives will not get due importance, then the situation is alarming. We have been witnessing such an irreparable Situation day in and day out regarding drug trafficking and drug addiction.
The ulmas and imams have a significant role in controlling the addictions, they must prepare their sermons regarding trafficking and addiction in light of the teachings of Islam. No religion permits either to consume or carry it to someone or allows to glamorize it. In such a situation we all are accountable before Almighty Allah. We must teach our children the importance of morality and consequences of drug addiction. We have to preserve our future generations from this menace.
– The writer, a teacher by profession, teaches at BHS Diver and has Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) through Regional Centre Rangreth Srinagar. He can be reached at farhaanqysar@gmail.com