Drug addiction is a psychological disease because it changes the structure and functioning of thebrain.Despite having adequate knowledge about the harmful effect of drug on health, the addictbecomes dependent of them which leads to immense human distress.At present, drug traffickingand drug addiction is spread all over the world which has spawned crime and violence worldwide.Drug abuse is a complex phenomenon which has various social, cultural, biological, geographicaland historical economic aspects.The addict develops an uncontrollable desire to consume the drugfinding it impossible to control the drug intake and they are unable to discharge their day to dayresponsibilities in an efficient manner.The problem of drug addiction is all the more serious because the addicts are mostly young boysand girls, the future citizens of a country on whom depends the future , its welfare and the society.
The nuclear family system, absence of parental love and care in modern families where bothparents are working often leads to the adolescent taking up drugs to escape the loneliness. It is atthis stage that the teenage picks up the habit of taking drugs.Drug addiction is often seen in patients who have experienced psychological trauma. Experiencingtrauma early in life increases a person’s susceptibility for drug addiction. Peer pressure and lack ofparental involvement in child’s activities are among the leading causes for drug addiction amongthe youth and teenagers.
The era of industrialisation, urbanisation and migration have led to loosening of the traditionalmethods of social control, rendering an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modernlife. Millions of drug addicts all over the world are leading miserable lives between life anddeath.The effects of drug addiction are quite fatal. Damaged immune system which increasessusceptibility to infection, cardiovascular conditions including heart attack and collapsed veins,nausea vomiting and abdominal pain.The geographical location of J&K helps in easy availability of drugs in the state.
The turmoil andstress play a huge role in this never ending war on drugs. Drug abuse has been a common for J&Kwhich invites attention of the authorities and civil society to treat this menace that is destroying notonly the abuses but is eating the vitals that are necessary to ensure a peaceful and prosperoussociety.J&K, a state that makes headlines for terrorism is also a victim of rampant drug menance that hasposed a serious challenge equivalent to terrorism. J&K borders two hostile neighbours which havecompounded and are undoubtedly responsible for narcoterrorism in the state.The incessant turmoilof Kashmir has often led the youth to follow the path of darkness where drugs has been used asquick yet disastrous escape from the pain of unabated conflict.The youth of J&K has been hooked to different substances ranging from cannabis, to inhalants,like whiteness, paint thicker, and solvent. Cannabis, the gateway to drug is easily available.
According to data retrieved by de-addiction centre at SMHS hospital, 71% of people are treated forsubstance use, cannabis being most commonly abused.Narcotics Control Bureau of Union Ministry of home affairs annual report 2016 points that J&K is atop state in India where drug illicit crops are cultivated. Lately, the J&K Police has been involved ina campaign to destroy drug crops like poppy.
The three feet poppy plant with pink or white flowersis often grown by many farmers in Kashmir as an additional source of income.
