Dr ADS Manhas
According to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has a staggering 13.5 lakh drug addicts, including 1.68 lakh children between the ages of 10 and 17. Among these, 5.42 lakh people consume opioids like afeem and heroin, 1.22 lakh inhale toxic substances, and 1.52 lakh consume cannabis.
Causes of Drug Addiction:
– Border State Vulnerability: Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical location makes it susceptible to drug smuggling, with existing routes and networks used for both weapons and narcotics.
– Peer Pressure and Social Influences: Social dynamics, including peer pressure, insufficient parental oversight, and social media trends, contribute significantly to the initiation and perpetuation of drug use.
– Easy Availability: The widespread accessibility of drugs, often facilitated by corrupt law enforcement officials, exacerbates the problem within the region.
– Greed and Monetary Gain: The lucrative nature of drug trafficking incentivizes individuals to sell drugs, thereby sustaining the cycle of addiction.
– Poor Conviction Rates: The low rate of convictions for drug suppliers and smugglers undermines efforts to control the drug trade effectively.
Prevalence of Drug Use:
Opioid Use: 5.42 lakh individuals consume opioids like opium and heroin.
Cannabis Use: 1.52 lakh people use cannabis.
Toxic Substance Inhalation: 1.22 lakh people are involved in inhaling toxic substances.
Minors Affected: A significant 1.68 lakh children between 10 and 17 years old are reported to be drug addicts.
Consequences of Drug Addiction:
Increased Petty Crimes: Addiction often leads to a surge in petty crimes such as theft and robbery, as individuals resort to these acts to fund their drug habits.
Rash Driving and Accidents: Drugged driving, particularly among teenagers and youth, significantly elevates the risk of accidents and fatalities. Speeding is identified as a major contributor to road traffic accidents, which are a leading cause of death among young people.
Social and Economic Impact: Drug addiction imposes substantial social and economic burdens, affecting not only the addicted individuals but also their families and the broader community.
Teenagers and Youth Susceptibility to Risky Behavior:
Brain Development: Their brains are still maturing, impacting judgment, decision-making, and risk assessment capabilities.
Peer Pressure: The influence of friends can encourage reckless actions, including speeding and substance use.
Lack of Experience: Inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary skills for high-speed driving or making informed decisions regarding substance use.
Risk-Taking Behavior: This age group is inherently more prone to risk-taking behaviors, including speeding and substance use, as part of their developmental stage.
Common Substances Involved in Drugged Driving:
Alcohol: Significantly impairs cognitive functions such as concentration, attention, motor coordination, and reaction time.
Marijuana: Increases the likelihood of a collision, especially when combined with other substances.
Prescription Drugs: Opioids, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines can induce drowsiness and impair cognitive skills.
Cocaine and Other Stimulants: These are associated with reckless and aggressive driving behaviors that can lead to vehicular collisions.
Prevention Strategies:
Education and Awareness: Implementing comprehensive educational programs for teenagers and youth about the dangers of substance use and the critical importance of road safety.
Parental Involvement: Encouraging parents to model safe behavior and establish clear expectations regarding substance use and driving for their children.
Road Safety Measures: Enforcing strict traffic laws, including speed limits and mandatory helmet/seatbelt regulations.
Driving Training: Providing thorough driving training to teenagers and youth, with a strong emphasis on defensive driving techniques and risk management.
Substance Abuse Treatment: Ensuring accessible and effective treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals struggling with addiction.
Government Initiatives:
The Jammu and Kashmir government has launched several initiatives to combat drug addiction, including:
Nasha Mukht Abhiyaan: A campaign aimed at creating awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse.
Tele Manas Helpline: A helpline providing counseling services for drug addicts and youth.
Toll-Free 104 Helpline Number: A platform for the public to register complaints about illegal drug sales.
Strict Action Against Drug Peddlers: J&K police have started taking strict action as per law against drug peddlers and their handlers.
Community Participation: Community leaders and the general public must actively participate in anti-drug measures initiated by the government to root out this evil from society. By addressing the underlying causes of substance use and implementing prevention strategies, it is possible to mitigate the suffering and misery of both the drug addicts and their families.
