5% of J&K population addicted to Opioids; 4.9 lakh addicted to alcohol, cannabis
Over 31,000 treated under de-addiction programs in 2023-24
Cross-border drug trafficking from Pak major concern in J&K
India utilises SAARC drug desk to counter Pak-origin narcotics trade
Srinagar, Dec 10: The Union Government on Tuesday revealed that 5.05% of Jammu and Kashmir’s population is affected by opioid addiction, with nearly 4.9 lakh individuals grappling with alcohol and cannabis dependence. The data was shared by Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B.L. Verma, in response to a question raised by MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in Parliament.
According to the National Survey on the Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2018) conducted by AIIMS, Jammu and Kashmir has an alarming prevalence of substance use. The survey found that the Union Territory had approximately 4.47 lakh opioid users (5.05% prevalence), 3.54 lakh alcohol users (4% prevalence), and 1.36 lakh cannabis users (1.54% prevalence). The survey also noted the widespread use of other substances, including sedatives and inhalants.
The Minister highlighted the efforts of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) through various programs aimed at addressing this issue. He pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant outreach under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), with over 98 lakh people, including 8 lakh youth and 9 lakh women, being reached through awareness and intervention campaigns.
In the financial year 2023-24, more than 31,000 individuals underwent treatment for drug addiction in the region. Currently, the Union Territory boasts one Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), three Outreach and Drop-In Centres (ODICs), two Community-Based Peer-Led Interventions (CPLIs), five District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs), and 20 Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). Additionally, a helpline (14446) has been maintained for primary counseling and referrals, with over 11,000 calls received from J&K.
The Minister acknowledged the growing burden on existing rehabilitation facilities in the region and stressed that under NAPDDR guidelines, provisions are in place to establish new DDACs in districts lacking such facilities. Furthermore, ATFs are being set up in government hospitals in collaboration with AIIMS, New Delhi.
The minister addressed the ongoing issue of drug trafficking from Pakistan, which remains a significant concern. To combat this, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) in 2011 to focus on reducing drug demand and curbing illicit trafficking. He added that NCB has raised concerns about the issue on international platforms, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Anti-Drug Cooperation forum and the SAARC Drug Offence Monitoring Desk.
The Minister further emphasized that the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has now been extended to all districts in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to expanded efforts in awareness and treatment. “We remain committed to enhancing facilities and outreach to tackle this growing challenge,” he said.
“The government is taking a multi-faceted approach to combat addiction, but public cooperation and awareness are equally critical in addressing this menace,” he added.
