Is drug addiction going to bring doom for Kashmiri youths?
Kashmir is fighting terrorism. But is drugs the problem that needs immediate attention? Officials routinely recover heroin, poppy, and cannabis from trade routes from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Also, poppy cultivation has increased in Pulwama, Anantnag, Budgam and Kupwara districts in Kashmir considering the high consumption and demand. What is the reason for this alarming increase in drug abuse? Read on to find out.
Which are the major abused drugs in J&K?
Substance abuse usually begins with prescription drugs such as spasmo-proxyvon capsules, codeine phosphate syrups, and benzodiazepine tablets resulting into addiction; abuse of cannabis, alcohol and solvents has also shown an alarming increase. Children are addicted to Fevicol, whitener and cannabis.
The instability in Kashmir isn't helping
After Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's killing last year, unrest in the Valley has increased. The vicious cycle of continuous strife and chronic unemployment is contributing to the problem of drug abuse. Educational institutions keep being shut down indefinitely. Family supervision is also absent, causing youths to be major drug users.
Addicted women lack access to solutions
The stigma associated with drugs, considered haram in Islam, prevents most Muslim women and girls from seeking help for drug abuse. Women tend to be dependent on pain-relieving drugs leading it to go unnoticed. Those seeking help do so under an assumed identity and after assurance of complete secrecy. In a state coping with conflict and human rights abuse, this stigmatization needs tackling.
The inadequate rehabilitation centers aren't doing enough
The rate at which drug abuse is increasing, a proportionate increase in rehabilitation centres is required. Many deaths are a result of relapse that can be avoided through oral substitution therapy that is available in only one hospital-based facility presently. De-addiction centre's at district level should help. Further, as strife is a major reason for drug abuse, psychiatric treatment for PTSD should be provided.
A shift in focus is needed on the government's part
The J&K HC recently asked the government to pull up its socks and manage the problem of treating and controlling drug addicts through a wholesome approach. Amid the strife-torn conditions, Kashmiri youths seek stability; last year, 6,500 youths appeared for the UPSC examinations, a testament to their determination. Changing the focus from terrorism, drugs and separatism to growth, development and jobs would help.
