Srinagar, Jul 10 (KNO): Addiction treatment facilities in Kashmir are proving to be a beacon of hope for individuals battling drug addiction.
Health officials informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that these centres, equipped with specialised programs and compassionate staff, have achieved notable success in aiding recovery and reintegrating individuals into society.
Highlighting the positive impact of these facilities in addressing the region's rising concerns of drug abuse, they said these centres employ a tailored approach to rehabilitation, combining counselling, medical support and skill-building initiatives.
The success stories emerging from these facilities underscore the importance of community support and the dedication of healthcare professionals in tackling drug abuse, the officials said, adding that these centres stand as a testament to the effectiveness of comprehensive addiction treatment in fostering positive change.
Doctors at the centre said that 95% of visitors to the ATF facility in Kulgam are heroin abusers, with around 70% of them being Intravenous Drug Abusers (IVDA) prone to hepatitis and other diseases.
The majority of individuals struggling with drug addiction are aged between 15 and 35, attributed mainly to peer pressure and drug availability, the figures revealed. Despite increasing awareness and efforts to address addiction as a health issue, stigma remains a significant barrier hindering individuals from seeking help.
"The availability of drugs has started to decrease, but more needs to be done," doctors said. They urged increased vigilance among parents to support their children and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.
Stressing the critical role of family support in aiding recovery, they said, "Emotional stability provided by family members can be crucial for addicts. Knowing they are not alone and are supported can be incredibly motivating."
Experts stressed the need to view addiction through a lens of compassion rather than judgment, aiming to break down societal barriers that prevent individuals from seeking assistance without fear of stigma.
The addiction treatment facility at DH Kulgam, established in August 2021, has registered approximately 1,950 patients to date, with over 7,000 patients receiving counselling. They believe that expanding these facilities further could significantly enhance efforts against drug addiction.
A recent report by the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted the severity of the situation, citing over 5 lakh opioid users in Jammu and Kashmir, including 95,000 aged between 10 and 17. The report detailed drug abuse statistics across various substances and age groups, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address this public health crisis.
As per the report, among minor drug abusers, 8,000 use cannabis, 95,000 opioids and 19,000 sedatives, with smaller numbers using cocaine, amphetamine stimulants, inhalants, and hallucinogens. Among adults aged 18-75, 3,54,000 use alcohol, 1,36,000 cannabis, 4,47,000 opioids, and various other substances as detailed in the report—(KNO)