 Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 8: Drug addiction has emerged as an alarming challenge in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with over 25,000 individuals seeking medical treatment for addiction over the past three years. This issue has raised grave concerns among lawmakers and society alike.
According to a written reply to questions by lawmakers including Tanvir Sadiq, Dr Narinder Singh Raina, and others, the Department of Health and Medical Education revealed that 25,400 individuals were registered in Outpatient Departments (OPD) for drug-related issues between 2022 and 2024. Out of these, 1,595 required inpatient care, signaling severe dependency and mental health struggles. Yearly statistics show 9,775 OPD and 306 IPD cases in 2022, 8,700 OPD and 586 IPD in 2023, and 6,925 OPD and 703 IPD cases by early 2024.
The government acknowledged the deep impact of this crisis on youth, linking it to societal degradation, potential security threats, and concerns about its contribution to terrorism.
They termed the issue “very sensitive,” demanding a collective effort from social, institutional, and legal stakeholders.
While the Health Department has launched de-addiction centers and awareness campaigns, enforcement of anti-drug laws remains under the purview of the police and CID, managed by the Ho Over 25,000 individuals have sought medical treatment for addiction over the past 3-years.
The government has acknowledged the deep impact of this crisis on youth.
It’s a “very sensitive,” and demands a collective effort from social, institutional, and legal stakeholders.
Targeted counseling, awareness drives, and early intervention are necessary to curb the spread.
Legislators, however, urged for stronger coordination between departments, emphasizing that the crisis transcends being a health issue—it is a multi-dimensional societal problem. Educational institutions have also been drawn into the battle, as drugs increasingly infiltrate schools and colleges. Experts have stressed the need for targeted counseling, awareness drives, and early intervention to curb the spread.
The crisis has sparked calls for a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitative approaches, while continuing to crack down on smuggling and peddling networks. Civil society groups and mental health professionals advocate for comprehensive strategies that balance enforcement with social rehabilitation.
Recent statistics paint a grim picture for 2024, with nearly 700 inpatient cases recorded so far, indicating the urgency of adopting coordinated and effective interventions.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment B L Verma informed the Lok Sabha in December 2024 that 4.5 lakh individuals aged 18-75 in J&K are addicted to opioid drugs—constituting 5.05% of this demographic. Additionally, addiction to alcohol, sedative. |
