As has been rightly underscored by Lieutenant Governor, it is the collective responsibility of the society to rehabilitate youngsters who have fallen prey to drug addiction.
In the recent past, steely talons of drugs have directly or indirectly affected almost every one, children, parents, the poor, and the rich.
According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, an estimated 10 lakh residents in a population of 1.25 crore (or 8%) were drug addicts in J&K in 2019-20. 1,08,000 men and 36,000 women were found abusing cannabis; 5,34,000 men and 8,000 women were found consuming opioids; 1,60,000 men and 8,000 women were found using sedatives of different kinds; and 1,27,000 men and 7,000 women were reported to be on inhalants, the Ministry said.
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.
The government has time and again said that it was fully committed to strengthening action-framework and taking a firm stance against drug abuse, besides providing “practical solutions like evidence-based prevention, treatment, and care to emerge as a winner in achieving the goal of a drug-free-society.”
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 must be a discussion on attacking all facets of the problem. There is a need to address it as a health issue besides as a criminal act. Without seeing it as both, it’s unlikely there can ever be a solution.
