Help patients to overcome substance abuse

While the alarming number of people are getting indulged in drug abuse in Jammu & Kashmir, a report has indicated that a large number at the same time are seeking the help to overcome substance abuse. The drug abuse has not only claimed lives in Jammu and Kashmir, but has turned the life of several families into hell. In such a situation, many people involved in drug abuse have been realizing that the bad habit needs to be put to an immediate end and thus simultaneously, a large number of people have turned up to seek the help to overcome the drug abuse. According to statistics compiled by the J&K government, in 2023 alone, 11,476 patients visited various drug de-addiction centres across J&K seeking treatment and counselling to combat substance abuse. The increasing number of patients is worrisome as it indicates the intensity of the situation on the ground. In such a situation, the new Police Chief of Jammu and Kashmir has come up with a strict policy against drug abuse and under his leadership; the action has been initiated at a large scale as many people associated with the trade have been arrested or faced a seizure of their respective properties. If the situation has to be controlled, the government, police and the locals need to join hands and take collaborative measures to combat the drug menace, which would help in curbing the situation at a large scale and end up in giving a life to the drug abusers. Similarly, the people turning up for help is a welcome move and the focus needs to be made towards increasing the number of such patients so that the goal is achieved.