Early Times Report
srinagar, June 26: As international day against drug abuse was observed on Tuesday, there has shockingly been 1700 percent increase in registration of drug abuse cases in Kashmir in the last 50 years.
The 'International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking' was observed across the world on June 26 aimed at strengthening action and spreading awareness about drug abuse and illegal drug trade in the world.
In Kashmir, this day was also observed with experts expressing serious concern over the increase in drug abuse.
Nodal Officer Drug De Addiction Centre, Dr Yasir Rather said that "Hospitals would receive 200 cases of drug addicts in 1960 which increased to 3400 last year. JK is among five highest illicit drug cultivating states in India." This means there has been 1700 percent increase in registration of drug abuse cases in the Valley since 1962.
Combined cases of drug abuse and related psychological issues have gone up from more than 14,500 cases in 2014 to 33,222 in 2016, a staggering 130% increase in two years.
Rather said that drugs affect liver, kidney, brain, and lead to death. "Addiction involves multiple factors. Aggressive and emotional people are prone to drug abuse," he said. He said there was an easily availability of drugs in JK.
Project Director JK Aids Control Society Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that drug abuse was rampant among youth. "We are going to sensitise Imams, religious, panchayat, mohalla committee heads, and keep a liaison with them," he said.
Director General Health Services JK Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman said, "Children have to get involved in sports. Parents should not create unnecessary competition for children."
Far too many of these people do not receive the help they need in order to overcome these problems in their daily lives and subsequently, their families suffer alongside of them.
Mohammad Rafiq, 30, said that he lost everything due to drug abuse. "It took a mental toll on my family members but they still stood by me. Initially, medicines did not help me much. I had almost lost hope but luckily, I came across few people who helped me get rehabilitated," he said.
Manzoor Ahmad, who too has been a drug addict, said, "It affected my health and I lost my family's trust. I would be an athlete but lost interest in sports and my stamina."
"I have been properly rehabilitated and now live a normal life," he said. |
