We are all responsible

“The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” — Warren Buffett

Once hailed as the paradise on earth, Kashmir known for its stunning beauty and unmatched bravery is now ensnared in a growing crisis: drug abuse. The very land that once stood as a symbol of grace finds itself grappling with an adversary that threatens its very fabric. While the gravity of the situation in Kashmir is widely recognized, all too often, our response is relegated to mere casual conversations over tea or in the back alleys of local shops

I must admit, I, too, was once among those who spoke of substance abuse in our valley without truly understanding its depth. It is often said that true understanding comes from first-hand experience or close observation. Like many, I once viewed substance abusers as criminals deserving exile from the valley. However, after engaging with these individuals and hearing their stories, I realized they are not criminals but individuals grappling with mental health challenges, deserving of the same care and compassion we extend to others facing health crises.

Recent studies underscore the severity of the situation. A 2022 survey across 10 districts of Kashmir estimated that approximately 2.23% of the population, or about 52,404 individuals, are opioid-dependent, with 32,097 engaging in intravenous drug use. Alarmingly, 65.1% reported reusing syringes, and 53.5% shared drug paraphernalia, leading to a 19.9% diagnosis rate of Hepatitis C among users. ([nida.nih.gov

Further research indicates that 90% of young drug users in the region consume heroin, with a significant number testing positive for Hepatitis C. The Drug De-Addiction Center in Srinagar reports admitting 10 to 15 new drug addicts daily, many of whom are young individuals from both rural (59%) and urban (41%) areas. ([etvbharat.com].

These statistics reveal that many individuals are victims of life circumstances that have led them to addiction. While not defending substance use, it is evident that these individuals deserve our empathy and should be treated with the same respect and care as others facing mental health challenges. The stigma that labels them as dangerous or unwilling to change only serves to widen the gap between “us” and “them.”

Our reactions, often based on misconceptions, inadvertently contribute to the problem. Conversations with attendants at drug de-addiction centers often revolve around questions like, “What is the government doing about this?” or “Why aren’t these individuals being locked up?” However, the responsibility does not lie solely with the government. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to address and combat this crisis. Even those suffering from addiction echo the call for intervention, but the reality is that this is not a problem that will vanish overnight. It will take years, immense effort, and a shared understanding from all of us to begin reversing its course.

Delving into the accounts of substance abuse reveals that addiction is not merely about the pursuit of pleasure or a moral failing, it is a much deeper affliction. Many substance abusers suffer from PTSD, depression, or even hallucinations, turning to drugs as an escape from their relentless pain. Others, burdened by underlying conditions such as ADHD, find themselves especially vulnerable. When mental health issues remain unaddressed, they manifest in destructive ways whether through addiction or, tragically, even suicide.

Often, we point fingers at the youth or the government for this crisis, yet the truth is we all share responsibility. Our collective lack of awareness and the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health have only deepened the problem. The real tragedy is our failure to recognize our own role. While the initial act of taking drugs might seem effortless, once addiction takes hold, the journey back is long and lonely. Many addicts confess that losing themselves feels easier than facing the arduous path to recovery, especially when met with judgment and rejection from family and society.

Listening to their stories, one cannot help but see that many are simply victims of a dark, unforgiving game. They recount how friends they once trusted betrayed them offering substances for free at first, only to later exploit their dependency by charging exorbitant prices. These so-called friends were nothing more than ATMs for their dealers. The bonds of trust, once broken, leave a wound that is difficult to heal—a wound that lingers like a poison long after the betrayal.

From a layperson’s perspective, quitting drugs might seem as simple as making a cup of tea. Yet, from a professional standpoint, it is clear that while the act of taking drugs may be easy, withdrawal is an excruciating, nearly unbearable ordeal. The body becomes dependent, and without the substance, it spirals into a state of distress known as withdrawal a stage at which the individual loses all sense of right and wrong.

Countless accounts of substance abuse circulate on social media, yet these individuals often receive more vitriol than empathy. We seem more captivated by their mistakes than by their suffering, failing to see the human being behind the addiction.

We must acknowledge the profound connection between mental health and substance abuse. It is imperative that we prioritize the mental well-being of our youth the very future of our nation. The government should integrate substance use awareness into school curricula as a vital topic, ensuring that our citizens are educated about the complexities of use, misuse, and prevention strategies. Additionally, mental health professionals and experts must lead conferences, seminars, and workshops in schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness. By embracing these steps, we can help our youth break free from the grip of addiction and work together to build a community that is a better place to live.

In the words of Charles Dickens, “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.” Let us strive to be that light for those ensnared in the darkness of addiction.

Author is an English Literature Student.