Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Aug 28: Rising cases of drug overdose have emerged as a grave public health concern across Jammu & Kashmir, with doctors warning that lack of awareness, peer pressure, and untreated mental health issues are pushing many, especially the youth, towards fatal consequences.
Medical experts caution that drug overdose is no longer confined to illicit narcotics alone but also includes the misuse of prescription drugs and sedatives. They say an overdose can cause permanent brain damage, liver and kidney failure, and long-term psychological disorders if not immediately treated.
Dr Aijaz Ahmad, a psychiatrist at Srinagar, said many young people experiment with drugs under peer influence without realising the life-threatening risks involved. “We see a large number of patients who had no history of substance abuse but started due to peer pressure or curiosity. Lack of awareness about the dangers of overdose often turns a one-time trial into a tragedy,” he said.
Doctors point out that mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma are major underlying triggers for substance abuse. Unfortunately, stigma around psychiatric treatment prevents many from seeking timely help. “In many overdose cases, we find a direct link to untreated depression or stress. Instead of professional help, individuals turn to drugs as an escape, which only worsens their condition,” said Dr Shabnam, a clinical psychologist.
According to health officials, drug overdose can result in a cascade of medical emergencies, ranging from respiratory failure and seizures to irreversible damage to vital organs. In some cases, delayed medical intervention has led to fatalities.
They urged for stronger awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities to highlight the dangers of overdose. “The parents should maintain open conversations with their children about mental health and drug abuse,” they said.
Doctors said society must treat addiction as a disease, not a crime. They said early intervention, counselling, and rehabilitation can save countless lives.
According to doctors, overdoses are not always intentional. Sometimes, misuse of prescribed medications or mixing them with alcohol can also trigger dangerous reactions.
They said that immediate effects include breathing difficulty, unconsciousness, coma and long-term effects include permanent brain damage, liver/kidney failure, and psychological disorders, while social impacts include family trauma, financial burden, and increased crime rates.
“People should never take medicines without a doctor’s prescription, avoid mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances, and store medications safely, away from children and vulnerable individuals,” the doctors said.
They called for spreading awareness about drug abuse in schools and colleges and seeking professional help for addiction and mental health issues.
