Drug crisis deepens in Kashmir with 70,000 substance users

The J&K Government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that nearly 70,000 people — mostly youth — are involved in substance use in Kashmir, with around 50,000 identified as heroin users, many of whom consume the drug through intravenous methods.

Responding to a question tabled by MLA Javid Riyaz, the Health & Medical Education Minister said Jammu & Kashmir, like several other parts of the country, is grappling with the growing menace of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, posing serious social and public health challenges.

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She said it has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address the crisis, focusing on awareness campaigns, preventive interventions, stronger enforcement measures, and expansion of treatment and rehabilitation facilities.

The minister said that a 2022 joint survey by the Health and Social Welfare Departments across 10 districts of Kashmir found around 70,000 individuals engaged in substance use.

“At present, 1,864 clients are registered, with 358 active beneficiaries receiving treatment.”

So far, around 69,000 patients have received treatment and rehabilitation services in various addiction treatment facilities across J&K, the minister said.

The minister further said that a network of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres has been established across the Union Territory, including facilities in District Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges, and police-run centres.

The government also informed the House that free services, including OPD/IPD care, emergency services and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), are available at Medical Colleges and District Hospitals through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs).

The government further added that it is committed to strengthening de-addiction counselling and rehabilitation infrastructure, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas. IMHANS Kashmir and Government Medical Colleges are expanding services, while inpatient facilities are being established to provide specialised care.

“Addiction Treatment Facilities at GMC Anantnag, Handwara and Srinagar are fully functional, offering counselling, OST programmes, outreach and referral mechanisms. GMC Baramulla has been sanctioned Rs 5 crore for a dedicated de-addiction building, while Drug Treatment Centres are operational to provide structured treatment and follow-up care.”