In today’s modern world, drug abuse has become a major concern, destroying the most valuable years of our youth. Once a person becomes addicted, they may even turn to crime to obtain drugs. For decades, Kashmir—known as the “Paradise on Earth” for its beauty, harmony, and humanity—has unfortunately emerged as one of the Indian regions worst affected by drug abuse. In addition to tourism, once the economic pillar of Kashmir, the valley is now witnessing an alarming increase in drug consumption. Over the past few years, drug misuse has grown rapidly, posing serious social, economic, and political challenges.

Based on observations, a large section of the Kashmiri population is being affected by substance use. The 2023 parliamentary report reiterated that around 13.50 lakh individuals in the region are drug users. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Jammu and Kashmir has nearly 600,000 drug addicts, and drug use has surged by 1500% in the last three years. In March 2023, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment revealed that close to one million people in the Union Territory are struggling with substance abuse.
Drug addiction has become a major cause of concern. The Ministry’s data shows that among these individuals, a large proportion is addicted to opioids. A 2022 study conducted by AIIMS New Delhi reported that 80% of these users in Kashmir rely on opioids, and each addict spends an average of ₹88,000 per month to sustain their addiction.
According to records from the Narcotics Enforcement Directorate (NED), heroin has become the most frequently used drug among Kashmiri youth over the past decade, with an estimated 33,000 syringes used daily. This crisis has severely impacted the youth, contributing to a sharp rise in crime. Economic studies indicate that drug-related crimes in Kashmir have increased by 400%, and family members often blame substance abuse for rising murder cases.
Due to addiction, many youths resort to illegal activities such as smuggling, drug peddling, theft, and even violent crimes when they lack money to buy drugs. Dr. Yasir Rather associates the rise in the crime graph directly with substance abuse. Numerous incidents in recent years—including suicides, murders of family members, and kidnappings for money—reflect the seriousness of the situation.
Drug addiction has emerged as one of the most critical challenges for Jammu and Kashmir, threatening its social harmony, economic development, and family well-being. The growing use of opioids, the spike in criminal cases, and painful family tragedies show that drug abuse is not an individual problem but a deep societal crisis.
Addressing this issue requires collective and sustained action. Families, educational institutions, religious bodies, medical professionals, and government agencies must work together to spread awareness, strengthen moral values, and provide rehabilitation support. Effective prevention, timely counseling, and strict measures against traffickers are essential to protect the youth.
With united efforts and determination, Kashmir—the “Paradise on Earth”—can be safeguarded from the devastating effects of drug addiction, guiding its young generation toward a healthier, brighter, and more productive future.

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