GNS ONLINE CHENAB VALLEY
JAMMU JUNE 28 :—A drug De-addiction day was observed by the Global Peace Foundation in the Government Higher Secondary School Binoon in district Kishtwar in which students, staff, and the general public participated to take a pledge to work against this menace collectively under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, a flagship program under the government of India.
It is pertinent to mention here that International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is observed worldwide on 26th June every year.
National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment India through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi has said that there are nearly 10 lakh drug addicts in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the data, 1,08,000 males and 36,000 females were found using cannabis while 5,34,000 males and 8,000 females were found in the dragnet of opioids and 1,60,000 males and 8,000 females were found using sedatives of different kinds.
Likewise, 1,27,000 males and 7,000 females were noticed using inhalants and a large number of males and females were addicts of cocaine, Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), and Hallucinogens.
However, reports suggest that the numbers might be much more than the figures pointed out by the ministry.
Drug abuse has become a major concern in Jammu and Kashmir, with the number of drug addicts increasing significantly in recent years. According to reports, drug addiction affects a large number of people, including teenagers, young adults, and even older individuals. The issue has become a serious concern for the government and society as a whole.
There are several reasons for the rise of drug abuse. One of the main reasons is unemployment and poverty, which has led many people to turn to drugs as a way to escape their problems. Another factor is the easy availability of drugs, which has increased due to the porous borders with neighboring countries. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the region has created a sense of hopelessness and despair among the people, leading them to seek solace in drugs.
Drug abuse has several negative impacts on individuals, families, and society. It can lead to physical and mental health problems, social isolation, financial difficulties, and criminal activities. It can also affect the development of children who grow up in households with drug-addicted parents.
To combat the problem of drug abuse, the government and NGOs have taken several measures, including awareness campaigns, rehabilitation programs, and crackdowns on drug peddlers.
However, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of drug addiction and provide support and resources to those who are working against this evil.
Over 33 thousand syringes are used to Inject heroin by drug abusers in the Valley daily. Heroin is among the most common drugs used by these abusers. The study shows 90 percent of drug abusers are using heroin while the rest are using cocaine, brown sugar, and Marijuana.
Police recovered drugs from areas close to the Line of Control, like Kupwara and Uri. Also, a lot of these drug consignments were dropped via drones from across the International borders in different parts of Jammu.
The day-long program began with a pledge against drug abuse in which students, staff, and people participated. Later a big rally began from the school prem, uses and took a tour of the area raising slogans against drug abuse and saving the youth.
The function was presided over by the in-charge principal of the school Shabir Ahmed Butt along with the Program Coordinator of Global Peace Foundation Shafqat Sheikh.
The program was completed in a very conducive atmosphere in the presence of staff and the general public of the province. Besides, a group discussion was held by the students to discuss various measures of prevention and control of drug abuse in society. Later the certificates were distributed among the participants and staff who made the program successful.
