Kashmir is currently dealing with a growing public health issue: the misuse of Pregabalin among its youth. Pregabalin is a prescription medication mainly used for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. However, it is increasingly being taken without proper medical oversight, often in doses higher than what is prescribed. While this medication can provide relief when used correctly, its euphoric and sedative effects at high doses make it appealing for recreational use, adding a new layer to the region's ongoing substance abuse problem.

Recent Reports from regional de-addiction centers show a troubling trend. Nearly 44.2% of patients seeking treatment named Pregabalin as their main substance of abuse. In addition, 55.8% of these patients used it alongside other drugs like opioids, tramadol, or codeine, indicating a high rate of polysubstance use. Most of these users are young men aged 18 to 35, often facing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, academic pressure, and limited access to mental health support. For many, the misuse starts innocently with a legitimate prescription for pain or anxiety, but over time, the doses increase as dependence develops, often without the knowledge of their families and healthcare providers.
Several factors are driving this rise, and they are interconnected. Easy access is a major issue, as Pregabalin remains available in local pharmacies and shops, sometimes without strict checks on prescriptions. Its legal status and perception as a safe medication make it deceptively attractive to young people looking for relief from stress or emotional pain. Compounding this problem is the low awareness among users and families about the risks of dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and long-term health effects.
Health experts caution that misusing Pregabalin carries serious risks. Long-term or high-dose use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal may cause anxiety, insomnia, tremors, nausea, and in severe instances, suicidal thoughts. There are also additional dangers such as cognitive difficulties, sedation, and respiratory depression, especially when Pregabalin is taken with other drugs. The misuse of this prescription medication is a hidden but growing threat, quietly affecting the social and domestic lives of communities before anyone can intervene.
The social impact is significant. Families are often the first to notice changes in behavior but may not recognize drug misuse until it leads to severe consequences. The emotional, financial, and social stress on households is immense, and the youth affected frequently face interruptions in their education, work, and relationships. On a systemic level, the rise in Pregabalin dependence puts further strain on healthcare systems already coping with other substance abuse issues and limited mental health resources.
Authorities have started to respond to this crisis. The Drugs and Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) has suspended the licenses of several pharmaceutical dealers and seized stock valued at over ₹13.5 lakh, including preparations containing Pregabalin. While these actions are an important step, the ongoing availability of the drug in local shops continues to encourage misuse, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and monitoring. Experts stress that solving this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, including tight regulation of sales, public awareness campaigns, early screening and counseling for at-risk youth, more rehabilitation services, and training for pharmacists and healthcare providers to recognize and address misuse.
The rise of Pregabalin as a substance misuse problem highlights a worrying change in Kashmir's drug landscape. Addiction is no longer limited to traditional narcotics; legal prescription medications are increasingly becoming part of the cycle. If not tackled proactively, this trend may have long-lasting effects on the health, productivity, and social stability of the region's youth.
The Health Department of Kashmir must act quickly to ensure strict compliance with regulations governing the sale and distribution of Pregabalin. Enforcing prescription-only sales, carrying out routine pharmacy inspections, and implementing strict penalties for unauthorized vendors are essential steps to curb easy access to the drug in local shops. Coupled with community awareness and health interventions, these measures are vital to control this emerging epidemic and protect the well-being of Kashmir’s youth.

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