A survey conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHANS), Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department and Directorate of Health Services, has brought to fore ugly reality about the drug abuse among the unemployed youth in Kashmir Valley.
According to it, over 25.2 percent of unemployed youth were found involved in substance abuse in the Valley.
The findings reveal that overall 2.8% of the total population of the Valley has been indulging in substance abuse, with 52,404 dependent on drugs currently.
The survey has found that the most commonly used psychoactive substance was opioids in every district of Kashmir and in all ten districts, 67,468 individuals were having dependence patterns on psychoactive substances. Among them 52,404 individuals were opioid dependent and heroin was the predominant illicit drug that was being used among the opioid users, it finds.
Astonishingly it also mentions that on an average, a user spends around Rs 88,000 a month to procure heroin.
While the survey has revealed a bit, lot more is needed for real picture. There is a need to understand the problem in-depth and proper data to know the enormity becomes very essential. Those who seek help for getting them out from the clutches of addiction seem to be few and the overall problem appears to be colossal. There is a need for focused attention on how to rescue those who could be and also importantly how to wage a decisive war against the menace, targeting its roots.
Youngsters linked to the drug trade are more victims than offenders, a Supreme Court judge famously said and also lay bare not just the callousness towards children that is, regrettably a feature of the society, but also an awareness of the deep corruption that undermines the purpose of any institution for the vulnerable.
A collaborative effort on the part of every stakeholder is imperative to check the menace and every individual, and various social organizations need to join hands together, raise awareness regarding the threat possessed by illicit drugs to one and all.
The consequences of drug abuse are grave. The families suffer due to the cultural and social factors of drug behavior.
As more people try to find answers on how to battle the growing menace, there should be a discussion so that all facets of the problem are attacked and better solutions found.