Recent observations from health professionals and community workers point to a shifting pattern in drug abuse that presents new challenges in the Kashmir Valley. The focus has moved beyond the known dangers of heroin and similar narcotics to include pharmaceutical drugs like tapentadol and pregabalin. These prescription medications, often misused due to their availability, now form a growing portion of the addiction landscape in the region. The misuse of prescription drugs adds layers of complexity to the problem. Unlike traditional narcotics, these medications are often accessible, making early detection and intervention more difficult. The consequences are severe and widespread, affecting not only individual mental and physical health, but also the social fabric of families and communities. De-addiction specialists at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar observe an increasing number of patients turning to prescription drugs, often due to the lower cost and easier availability. According to IMHANS, there is a steady flow of new cases daily, with many patients returning for follow-up treatment. What stands out is the adaptability of addiction itself—people are shifting substances, or combining multiple drugs, a pattern known as polysubstance use. Prevention is not an abstract goal, but a set of concrete actions rooted in everyday community life. IMHANS has already begun training religious leaders to educate their communities about drug misuse. This approach recognises that the influence of local leaders extends deep into families and neighbourhoods, where early signs of trouble often appear first. Despite some signs of decline in heroin use, the overall picture remains grim. Schools, homes, and places of worship must all become part of the effort to protect young people. Statistics underscore the urgency. A report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment estimates that over 13.5 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir use drugs. Particularly distressing is the number of children involved: nearly 1.7 lakh minors between the ages of 10 and 17 are affected. Among these are thousands using dangerous substances like opioids, sedatives, and even hallucinogens. Despite some progress in creating de-addiction centres, staffing and infrastructure remain inadequate. Services are struggling to keep pace with demand. Social stigma continues to obstruct progress. Many families hesitate to seek help, fearing judgement. This delay often allows the addiction to take deeper root. Counsellors working in South Kashmir report that children are sometimes brought for help only after they have become fully dependent. In these situations, even the best rehabilitation efforts face an uphill battle. Schools are in a unique position to catch the early signs, yet counsellors and support programmes are often lacking. There is now widespread agreement among experts and activists that a formal Drug Policy for Jammu and Kashmir is essential. Such a policy must go beyond treatment centres and focus on early education, awareness in schools and colleges, and support structures within communities. Livelihood support and skill development for those recovering from addiction should become a part of rehabilitation. At the same time, control over pharmaceutical drug distribution, and stricter regulations, must be enforced.
Addiction Trends
