Married couple from south Kashmir spends around Rs 1 crore on drugs

Srinagar, Aug 02: Sameer (name changed) started smoking and eventually started taking drugs, and before he realised, he was addicted.

The south Kashmir based youth got married, but remained addicted until his wife smelled rat. "She asked me about it, and I said these are just tablets I take for depression," Sameer told news agency KNO.

With time, Sameer's wife started taking the same drugs, and soon they were both addicts.

While he hid his addiction from his wife at first, they were now both consuming them, and selling all they could to get money and purchase more drugs, they said.

"I began to sell my possessions including my ornaments, my land, and other belongings," recalled Sumaiya (name changed to protect her identity).

Sumaiya would sell things, and Sameer would manage drugs for both of them, she said.

After exhausting their resources and spending between Rs 80 lakh to one crore on purchasing drugs, they began to rehabilitate after being counselled by their parents and relatives. This made them visit an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) for help.

Both expressed initial skepticism about their ability to overcome their addiction, but with strong will, proper guidance, counselling and treatment at the ATF, they have successfully begun to recover.

A doctor at ATF treating the couple said that while the wife has almost recovered and is under observation, the husband is still undergoing treatment and is adhering to it rigorously.

He said anyone can break free from addiction with the right treatment and support from family and society.

"Many individuals do not seek treatment due to social stigma," the doctor said while urging the society to eliminate these stigmas and support those in need.