Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 5: The ever increasing number of drug addicts in Kashmir may not necessarily reflect the rot in the society but it definitely sounds the alarm bells. Notwithstanding the concern shown by the civil society, law enforcing agencies and the clergy, the Kashmir's generation next is now falling prey to drugs.
The Police Control Room (PCR) at Srinagar which runs the only drug de-addiction centre paints a grim picture of the situation. Most drug abusers fall in the age group of 18-35 years and the patient flow at the said .de-addiction centre is alarming too. Last year, 633 were registered at the PCR, which has gone up to 1,978. While 81% were male, alarming 19% were females. Number of female drug abusers too is on the rise in the otherwise conservative society.
Started in 2008, the PCR's de-addiction centre has treated an alarming number of 6,693 abusers till date. Suggesting remedial measures, the experts blame the alarming rate of addiction in the Valley on conflict, high unemployment rate, relationship, family disputes, failure in love affairs and split families.
It has been found that the highest number of addicts fall in the age group of 18-35 years. The PCR's stress management cell received more than 567 calls from February 2011 to September 2013. Suicidal tendencies were evident. Exam-related stress queries also topped among the callers, The PCR is grappling to address the increasing rush of patients.
The commonly abused drugs are benzodiazepine, sleeping pills, cough syrups and Alprax. Besides opium, fluid, brown sugar and alcohol addiction is also common among the youth, More than 85% patients recovered through 'social intervention plan'.
The social intervention plan comprised individual sessions, family sessions, identification of stressor in the family, antagonist consent, work rehabilitation, relapse prevention education and pre-discharge counseling. Kashmir University directorate of lifelong learning is planning to initiate a one-month vocational course for rehabilitating drug addicts. This way many will earn livelihood and recover as a fruitful citizen.
Society must come forward and help these drug addicts to recover. There is need to accept them as normal citizens. Several studies carried out on addiction in the Valley reveal a strong correlation between conflict and drug abuse. The studies show that in Kashmir, drugs are not used for recreational purposes but as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress. |
