Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Jammu & Kashmir: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a substantial substance abuse crisis, with approximately 4.47 lakh opioid users and 3.54 lakh alcohol users, as per the National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, in 2018.

This alarming data was shared in the Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, BL Verma, in response to a query raised by National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi regarding the rise in drug abuse, particularly heroin addiction, in the region.

Substance Use Statistics in Jammu and Kashmir

The 2018 survey revealed the following figures for substance abuse in Jammu & Kashmir:

• Opioids: 4.47 lakh users (5.05% prevalence)
• Alcohol: 3.54 lakh users (4% prevalence)
• Sedatives: 1.51 lakh users (1.71% prevalence)
• Cannabis: 1.36 lakh users (1.54% prevalence)
• Inhalants: 89,000 users (1.01% prevalence)

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Government Measures to Combat Substance Abuse

To address the growing crisis, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), which focuses on preventive education, capacity building, vocational training, and addiction treatment.

Key initiatives under NAPDDR include:

1. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA):
   • Active in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
   • Over 98 lakh individuals reached through awareness programs, including 8 lakh youth and 9 lakh women.
2. Rehabilitation and Treatment Facilities:
   • One Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA).
   • Three Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs).
   • Two Community Peer-Led Interventions (CPLIs).
   • Five District De-Addiction Centers (DDACs).
   • Twenty Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs).

Over 31,000 individuals received treatment for drug de-addiction in J&K during the financial year 2023-24.

3. Counseling Services:
   • A toll-free helpline, 14446, provides counseling and referral services.
   • More than 11,000 calls from J&K have been registered on this number.

International Collaboration on Drug Trafficking

To tackle cross-border drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) collaborates with Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2011. Additionally, international platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Anti-Drug Cooperation Forum and the SAARC Drug Offence Monitoring Desk play a role in strengthening anti-drug measures in the region.

Progress of Nasha Mukt Abhiyan

Initially launched in 272 vulnerable districts across India, the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan has now been expanded to include all districts, including Jammu and Kashmir.

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Minister BL Verma emphasized that the government’s coordinated efforts underscore its commitment to addressing the drug menace and rehabilitating affected individuals. These measures aim to reduce the availability of illicit substances and support the recovery of those impacted by substance abuse.

The government of India is adopting a multipronged approach to combat the growing drug abuse problem in Jammu and Kashmir. Through awareness campaigns, rehabilitation facilities, and international collaboration, efforts are being made to curb this menace and offer much-needed support to affected individuals.