Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jun 26: On the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse, experts in Kashmir have expressed serious concerns over changing trends in substance use, notably the increasing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Health officials and de-addiction specialists warn that drug abuse in the region is no longer confined to heroin and other narcotics; instead, there is a rising trend in the misuse of prescription medications, complicating detection and intervention efforts.
“Drug abuse is not just a health issue but a social emergency that profoundly impacts mental health, families, and community stability,” they said.
Authorities and civil society organisations are advocating for enhanced preventive measures, greater community awareness, and expanded rehabilitation programs to address this escalating crisis.
Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at IMHANS, GMC Srinagar, said that at the drug de-addiction centre at IMHANS, GMC Srinagar, there remains a significant burden of substance use disorders. Although there have been minor fluctuations in heroin use over the past year, the overall pattern shows a shift.
“While some reports indicate a slight decline in heroin abusers, possibly due to increased awareness, early intervention under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, and stricter government measures, we are observing a concerning rise in pharmaceutical drug abuse, particularly tapentadol and pregabalin,” he said.
Dr Yasir added that the de-addiction outpatient department (OPD) sees between 5 to 10 new cases daily, alongside many follow-up patients. “The pattern of addiction is dynamic—though heroin use may be marginally decreasing, many individuals are switching to cheaper, more accessible alternatives or engaging in polysubstance use,” he added.
This year’s theme, “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”, strongly aligns with IMHANS’s ongoing efforts. “We need to strengthen school- and community-based prevention programs, involve religious and local leaders actively, and empower families to recognise early signs of substance use,” Dr Rather added..
In line with this theme, IMHANS recently conducted a workshop with 30 Imams and religious scholars from the Waqf Board to equip them with strategies to prevent drug abuse within their communities.
Dr Mohd Abrar Guroo, Senior Consultant at Tele-MANAS, IMHANS Kashmir, highlighted the importance of reaffirming commitment today to protect Kashmir’s youth from rising substance abuse.
“At IMHANS Kashmir (SMHS Hospital), we continue to see a steady influx of young people seeking help for addiction. While heroin use may have slightly declined, the crisis continues, with increasing use of synthetic opioids, tramadol, pregabalin, cannabis, and polydrug abuse,” he said.
“This is not just a health issue but a social emergency impacting families and mental health. Through Tele-MANAS and de-addiction centres, we aim to expand access to care. But prevention must start at home, in schools, mosques, and community spaces,” Dr Guroo urged.
He called on religious leaders, teachers, media, and civil society to raise awareness, break the cycle of addiction, and work together to secure Kashmir’s future. “Let today be a turning point for united action,” he added.
Dr Aadil, Medical Officer at ATF Shopian, said that patients continue to seek treatment regularly, with new registrations at their facility. “Most patients are heroin users, often combining it with other psychotropic drugs. We are also seeing abuse of animals’ medications like Avilin and pregabalin,” he said.
The doctor said that police crackdowns on drug dealers have helped reduce the overall number of users. “People now find it more difficult to purchase heroin, so some are turning to treatment instead,” he said.
Dr Aadil has a message for the youth: “Under this year’s theme, ‘Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery for All,’ I urge young people not to fall prey to addiction. If someone is suffering, recovery is possible—come to our facility, seek help, and you will recover soon.” (KNO)
