Drugs don’t end pain: They pause life:

Between the dose and the dream: The truth about drugs

By Ashraf Hussain Katoch

The notion of a drug-free country is an aspiration that resonates with every citizen, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background. The idea of a society where individuals are free from the grip of substance abuse, where families are not torn apart by addiction, and where communities are safe and prosperous, is a dream that inspires hope and collective action.

Drug abuse has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing nations worldwide. The menace of illicit drugs has infiltrated every corner of society, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. From the streets of urban slums to the corridors of power, the impact of drug abuse is felt by all.

The consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and devastating. Some of the most significant effects include:

Health Problems: Drug abuse leads to a host of health issues, including overdose, addiction, and the spread of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
Crime and Violence: The drug trade is often linked to organized crime, fueling violence and corruption.
Economic Burden: The economic cost of drug abuse is staggering, with billions spent on healthcare, law enforcement, and lost productivity.
Social Breakdown: Drug abuse tears families apart, destroys relationships, and erodes community cohesion.

Creating a drug-free country is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of individuals, communities, government agencies, and civil society organizations. Some key strategies to achieve this goal include:

Education and Awareness: Educating people, especially youth, about the dangers of drug abuse is crucial.
Law Enforcement: Strengthening agencies to combat the drug trade and bring perpetrators to justice.
Treatment and Rehabilitation: Providing support and recovery services to those struggling with addiction.
Community Engagement: Promoting community-led initiatives that encourage a culture of abstinence and support.

A drug-free country is a dream worth pursuing. It requires dedication, perseverance, and collective action. By working together, we can create a society where individuals are empowered to make informed choices, families are safe and strong, and communities are prosperous and thriving.

The government plays a pivotal role in controlling drug addiction, and a comprehensive strategy is required to tackle this menace. Various measures include:

• Enhancing border control to prevent smuggling of illicit drugs.
• Increasing surveillance and intelligence gathering to dismantle trafficking networks.
• Implementing strict laws and penalties for drug-related crimes.
• Integrating drug education into school curricula.
• Organizing awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and communities.
• Engaging influencers, celebrities, and social media to spread anti-drug messages.
• Establishing de-addiction centres and rehabilitation facilities.
• Providing counselling, therapy, and vocational opportunities to recovering addicts.
• Supporting NGOs and civil society organizations working on prevention and rehabilitation.
• Improving access to healthcare services and training professionals to address addiction.

Creating a Drug-Free Nation: The Vital Role of Society

A drug-free society is a collective responsibility. The onus lies not just on the government, but also on communities, families, and individuals to work together to eradicate substance abuse.

Raising Awareness: Society must actively spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs, especially among youth.
Supporting Rehabilitation: Communities can help recovering addicts reintegrate into society with dignity.
Creating Opportunities: Education, skill development, and employment can reduce vulnerability to addiction.
Promoting Healthy Alternatives: Sports, arts, and cultural activities provide positive engagement.
Breaking Stigma: Addiction must be treated with compassion, not discrimination.
Collaboration: Partnerships between society, government, and NGOs are essential for an effective response.

Role of Teachers in Making India Drug-Free

Teachers play a vital role in shaping young minds and preventing drug addiction.

• Early Intervention:Identify students showing warning signs.
• Education and Awareness:Incorporate drug education into lessons.
• Counselling and Support:Guide students facing challenges.
• Supportive Environment:Encourage healthy and positive choices.
• Community Engagement:Work with parents and society.

Measures for Schools:

• Integrate drug education into curriculum.
• Conduct workshops and awareness sessions.
• Promote peer mentoring.
• Develop clear school policies on substance abuse.
• Strengthen parent-teacher collaboration.

Creating a Drug-Free India

A drug-free India requires a united effort from government, teachers, parents, and society. Together we can:

• Raise awareness about drug addiction.
• Provide support and rehabilitation.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and values.
• Build a society where every individual can thrive.

Let us join hands to build a drug-free country where every citizen lives with dignity, hope, and purpose. Together, we can turn this dream into reality.

Drug Abuse Among Youth in Jammu & Kashmir: A Growing Challenge

Over the past decade, Jammu & Kashmir has been grappling with a silent but severe crisis of rising drug abuse among its youth. What was once limited to border smuggling has now spread into schools, colleges, and rural areas, threatening an entire generation.

According to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (2023–24 National Survey) and data from J&K Police and the Health Department, an estimated 10 lakh people in J&K are affected by substance abuse, with nearly 1.35 lakh youth (15–25 years) in the addicted category.

Heroin (chitta), often injected, has replaced traditional substances like charas and ganja in the Kashmir Valley, while pharmaceutical opioids and synthetic drugs are more common in the Jammu region. The Drug De-Addiction Centre at SMHS Hospital Srinagar has seen OPD registrations rise from 500 in 2016 to over 35,000 in 2024, mostly among those aged 18–30.

Youth are particularly vulnerable due to psychological stress, unemployment, and social pressures. Easy availability of drugs, peer influence, and their normalization on social media have worsened the crisis.

The consequences are alarming—rising cases of Hepatitis C and HIV due to needle sharing, increasing overdose deaths, and a surge in petty crimes linked to addiction. Families are often pushed into financial and emotional distress.

The J&K administration has declared drug abuse a socio-medical emergency. Initiatives like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, awareness drives in schools, sports programmes, and skill development schemes are being actively promoted.

Religious leaders, community representatives, and NGOs are also playing a key role by spreading awareness and encouraging early intervention. Counselling centres in schools are helping identify and address addiction at an early stage.

The youth of J&K are talented and full of potential. Drug abuse threatens to derail their future. This fight is not just about enforcement—it is about restoring hope, purpose, and opportunity. Winning this battle will secure the region’s peace and progress.

The Holy Qur’an also teaches that anything which harms the body or clouds the mind must be avoided. A healthy and conscious life is a trust from Allah, and protecting it is our duty. Staying away from drugs is not only good for health, but also a path toward a peaceful and disciplined life.