Hardly a day passes when there is no news regarding arrest of drug peddlers. While police fight is appreciable, the extent of drug abuse is profuse. The situation should be immediately tackled with a brawny response before it morphs into a much dire situation. While it is becoming a rampant phenomenon, it should be a point of concern for all of all.
Earlier this year, information was divulged in Parliament that there are about 10 lakh cases of drug abuse identified in Jammu and Kashmir with a substantial number of women addicts.
The concerned ministry also informed that there are 340 Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCAs) which not only provide for treating the drug victims but also give services of preventive education, awareness generation, motivational counselling, detoxification and de- addiction, after care and re-integration into the social mainstream. Among 340, one IRCA is running in Jammu and Kashmir.
Also there are 48 Community based Peer led Intervention (CPLI) Centres and they focus on vulnerable and at risk children and adolescents. Under this, peer educators engage children for awareness generation and life skill activities. Out of these 48 CPLIs, two are running in J&K.
Besides, there are 71 Outreach and Drop In Centres (ODICS) and provide safe and secure space of treatment and rehabilitation for substance users, with provision of screening, assessment and counseling. Thereafter they provide referral and linkage to treatment and rehabilitation services for substance dependence. Out of these 71 ODICs, three are running in Jammu & Kashmir.
Apart from awareness, the administration needs to focus on the investigation and prosecution for providing quick deterrent punishments to the offenders including drug peddlers. Also rehabilitation of the addicts and the counseling of the youth are important to bring them back into the mainstream.
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.
There might be a huge number of addicts who don’t register for treatment due to the taboo related to the condition. The drug abuse issue has to be addressed with all seriousness jointly by various stakeholders and apart from the government, schools, parents and the community leaders have greater responsibility and role to play. There is need for inclusive policy against the menace with main focus on policing, de- addiction, and prevention.
