Opioids Lead J & K Drug Crisis 1.3 Million Affected

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Over 13 lakh adults in Jammu and Kashmir are estimated to be using addictive substances, with opioids emerging as the most commonly consumed drugs, according to figures tabled in Parliament by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Data from the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted between December 2017 and October 2018, shows that among people aged 18 to 75 years in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir region, opioid use stands at 5.05 percent, affecting around 4.47 lakh individuals.

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Alcohol use was reported by 4 percent of the population, translating to about 3.54 lakh users, while cannabis consumption was recorded at 1.54 percent, affecting nearly 1.36 lakh people. Sedatives accounted for 1.71 percent or around 1.51 lakh users, and inhalant use was reported at 1.01 percent, involving about 89,000 individuals. Cocaine, amphetamine-type stimulants and hallucinogens were each reported by roughly 1,000 people.

The Ministry clarified that separate data for Ladakh is not available as the survey was conducted before October 31, 2019, when Ladakh was carved out as a separate Union Territory.

The government acknowledged growing concerns over substance use and associated mental health challenges in the region. To address the issue, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction, a centrally sponsored scheme that supports preventive education, awareness generation, treatment, rehabilitation and community-based interventions.

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