Arsalan Ashiq , Danish Showkat

Kashmir is grappling with a rising drug addiction crisis, particularly among its youth. Rehabilitation centers across the region are witnessing an increasing number of individuals seeking help to break free from substance abuse.

Young people, once caught in the grip of addiction, are now striving to rebuild their lives through de-addiction programs. Families, healthcare workers, and authorities are joining forces to tackle the issue, but the fight against drug abuse remains challenging, influenced by deep-rooted social and economic factors.

Furqan Nazir who is admitted at a rehabilitation centre said “I never imagined that a single moment of celebration would lead me to ruin. When I passed my 10th-grade exams, my brother’s friend handed me what I thought was just a cigar. I had no idea it was hashish.

That one puff changed my life forever.

Within days, I was craving more, and soon, it became a daily habit. By the time I reached 12th grade, hashish wasn’t enough—I was introduced to heroin. At first, I smoked it, but as my tolerance grew, I started injecting it. Addiction wasn’t about getting high anymore; it became a necessity just to function.”

“To feed my addiction, I even committed theft and traveled to Jammu, where drugs were cheaper. I encountered many known Kashmiri girls there. The fear of law enforcement never stopped me because many in power were part of the trade. Some officers even offered me a share in the business.”

“I lost everything—my education, my family’s trust, my self-respect, my life spiraled out of control until the day my mother caught me injecting heroin in my room. She didn’t abandon me—she fought for me. I was taken to a de-addiction center, but I ran away, desperate for another fix. Eventually, doctors and my family refused to give up on me, and that’s what saved my life.”

“Addiction is not a crime—it’s an illness. Thousands are suffering like I did, and the only way to help them is through treatment, not punishment. Criminalizing addicts pushes them deeper into the abyss. What they need is understanding, support, and proper rehabilitation. I am living proof that recovery is possible, but only if society starts seeing addiction for what it truly is—a disease that needs to be treated, not condemned.” Furqan added.

The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) is the only government run drug rehabilitation centre in Kashmir, where youngsters seek help from psychiatrists and the recommended medicines to get back to their normal life. The doctors there help them recover from the addiction and prevent further infectious diseases.

Dr. Yasir Rather, Head of the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, says, “we witness the devastating effects of substance abuse daily. Our patients come from all walks of life, mostly college students from affluent families. Many turn to substances like heroin and cannabis to cope with personal challenges such as breakups, family issues, and societal pressures.”

“Substance abuse knows no boundaries; it affects individuals across all demographics. Currently, our facility, along with nearly every drug de-addiction center in the valley, is treating patients grappling with this crisis. While medical interventions are crucial and many patients respond positively to treatment, addressing this issue requires a collective societal effort.”

“Despite the growing trend of substance abuse, there is hope. Efforts to combat this issue have intensified, transforming what was once an individual struggle into a collective fight. Religious leaders and law enforcement have played pivotal roles in this battle, and change is occurring. The response to this crisis is stronger than ever, and with continued collaboration, we can make significant strides toward a healthier, substance-free society.”

According to official data presented by the Central Government in Parliament, nearly 10 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir are affected by drug abuse, making up around 8% of the region’s total population.

Additionally, on August 4, 2023, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Indian Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir is estimated to have approximately 13.50 lakh drug users, most of whom are between the ages of 18 and 75.

Sahil Yousuf, another patient said, “My journey into addiction began in college. At first, I wasn’t the one using—just selling drugs to make some quick money. It seemed like an easy way to get by, with good margins. The dealer would supply me, and I’d sell at a profit. But the constant exposure to drug users around me began to take its toll. One day, I tried just one tablet. It was supposed to be harmless—just an experiment. But that single moment changed everything. What started as curiosity quickly turned into a need, and soon, I was consuming more than I ever sold.”

“In the depths of my addiction, I lost everything—my education, my health, and my family’s respect. But throughout it all, one person never gave up on me: my mother. She stood by me through every setback, taking me to rehab repeatedly, even when I ran away from treatment.”

“Today, I stand at a crossroads. I’ve lost so much, but I’m determined to rebuild. I’ve made a promise to my mother—and to myself—that I will return to the person I was before college. I have nothing left to lose, but I have a life to reclaim, and I will.” he concluded.