Over 13.5 Lakh Battle Drug Abuse in JK, 1.6 Lakh Aged 10–17

SRINAGAR: On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse, health experts, psychiatrists, and civil society members in Jammu and Kashmir have raised serious concern over the rising trend of substance abuse in the region, warning that the crisis has reached a point where an entire generation is at risk unless urgent, coordinated interventions are implemented.

As per data from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, Jammu and Kashmir has over 13.5 lakh drug users, including 1.68 lakh minors aged between 10 and 17. Among them, nearly 95,000 individuals are opioid users.

Health officials said the pattern of addiction is shifting. While heroin use has shown marginal decline in some areas, pharmaceutical drug abuse is on the rise. Drugs like tapentadol, pregabalin, tramadol, and even veterinary medications such as Avilin are being misused, they said.

Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at IMHANS, Government Medical College Srinagar, said the de-addiction centre continues to receive a significant number of substance use cases. “We see 5 to 10 new cases every day, along with regular follow-ups. Heroin use may be slightly decreasing, but many users are shifting to cheaper or more accessible drugs, or engaging in polydrug abuse,” he said.

He attributed the minor decline in heroin abuse to awareness campaigns, early intervention under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and increased government action. However, he emphasised that pharmaceutical drugs are harder to detect and more difficult to regulate, complicating rehabilitation efforts.

Dr Rather also highlighted the need for prevention-based strategies. “This year’s global theme, ‘The evidence is clear: invest in prevention,’ reflects what we urgently need—school and community-based education, and engagement of local and religious leaders,” he said.

As part of this effort, IMHANS recently conducted a training workshop with 30 imams and religious scholars from the Waqf Board to equip them with strategies to combat drug abuse at the community level.

Dr Mohd Abrar Guroo, Senior Consultant at Tele-MANAS, IMHANS Kashmir, said that addiction continues to affect large sections of the youth. “We continue to see a steady flow of young patients, many of whom are addicted to synthetic opioids, cannabis, and combinations of multiple substances. This is no longer just a health concern but a social emergency affecting families and mental wellbeing,” he said.

Dr Guroo called for coordinated efforts across sectors. “Prevention must start at home, in schools, religious spaces, and neighbourhoods. Media, civil society, teachers, and religious leaders must all join hands to break the cycle of addiction,” he said.

Dr Aadil, Medical Officer at Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Shopian, said that patients continue to seek treatment in large numbers, with new registrations on a regular basis. “Most of the users are addicted to heroin, often combined with psychotropic drugs. We’re also observing the misuse of animal medications like Avilin,” he said.

He noted that intensified police action has disrupted drug supply chains in some areas. “Due to limited availability, some users are now turning towards treatment. This is a crucial opportunity to guide them towards recovery,” he added.

Dr Aadil urged youth to seek timely help. “Under this year’s campaign theme—‘Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All’—my message is simple: do not fall prey to drugs. Help is available, and recovery is possible,” he said.

Civil society members and health professionals are now urging the government to formulate a time-bound, comprehensive de-addiction and youth rehabilitation policy for Jammu and Kashmir, warning that without systemic intervention, the region may face irreversible social damage. (KNO)