Jammu Kashmir: Woman Overcomes Drug Addiction, Begins Life Anew

SRINAGAR: Insha (name changed), a young woman from a rural background in Rajouri, has emerged as a symbol of resilience after battling heroin addiction and reclaiming her life through timely medical and psychological intervention.

At just 18, Insha began working as a labourer to support her family. Life was harsh, and in a vulnerable phase, her older cousins introduced her to heroin, convincing her that it would ease her pain. “At first, they gave it to me for free,” Insha recalled. “But soon, I couldn’t live without it.”

Within months, addiction took a devastating toll. Her health declined sharply as she grew frail, withdrawn and hopeless. Alarmed by her deteriorating condition, her mother sought help at the local hospital’s Addiction Treatment Centre, where Insha agreed to begin therapy, a decision that marked a turning point in her life.

Doctors diagnosed her with opioid use disorder and initiated treatment with Buprenorphine (4 mg per day) to manage withdrawal symptoms and control cravings. Alongside medical care, she received counselling and continuous psychological support, which helped her regain emotional stability and confidence.

In a compassionate gesture, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, visited Insha’s residence to assess her recovery and assured full administrative support for her complete rehabilitation. He directed officials to ensure regular counselling, sustained psychological support and access to skill development opportunities for her reintegration into society.

The DC was accompanied by the District Child Protection Officer, Tehsildar, Station House Officer and Child Welfare Committee member, Shazad Lone. Expressing satisfaction over her recovery, the DC said the administration remains committed to assisting individuals struggling with substance abuse. He stressed that “no one should fight addiction alone” and reaffirmed the district’s focus on counselling, community awareness and skill-based rehabilitation under the Nasha Mukht Abhiyan.

Today, Insha is on the path to recovery, rebuilding her life, reconnecting with her family and preparing for skill training to earn a dignified livelihood.