According to a latest survey conducted by the state government, at least 2.8% of the total population of Kashmir has been substance users, with 52,404 dependent on drugs currently.
Of the drug dependents, approximately 95% are heroin users, the report states. The survey has found the average age of initiation of heroin in Kashmir to be 22, while substance use is predominant in young men with a mean age of 28.
The survey, which is the first one conducted on drug abuse across all 10 districts of Kashmir, was led by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHNS), Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with the social welfare department and Directorate of Health.
The report mentions that at least 2.8% of the total population of Kashmir has been substance users. Officials say this means that these many individuals have used drugs either in the past or present, though they do not fall in the category of drug dependents.
The survey also says that substance use was seen majorly in the unemployed population, which is a little over 25.2% of the total population in the 10 districts of Kashmir.
The study also states that the most commonly used psychoactive substance in every district of Kashmir is opioids. It also mentions that on an average, a user spends around Rs 88,000 a month to procure heroin.
A senior government officer, who did not wish to be named, said, “The survey was an elaborate exercise. While the social welfare department provided IMHNS with financial assistance to conduct the survey under the Nasha Mukt Scheme, the Directorate of Health provided logistical help. The survey was conducted at addiction treatment facilities in most district hospitals in Kashmir province.”
Arjumand Makhdoomi, activist and founder of NGO Chotay Taray reacted to the latest government survey saying that the figures are frightening.
“Around 2.8% of the total population is a lot of people. Also, if over 52,000 people are dependent on heroin, the situation seems to be alarming. This menace needs to be dealt with on priority. This is an increasing trend. At our NGO, I have seen families getting destroyed. Moreover, the rising drug menace will only give rise to other crimes in society. If we don’t act now, it will be too late,” he said.
