Drug Addiction is one of the rapidly growing problem in every corner of the world especially in our valley Kashmir. Drugs are substances that people use to experience a temporary feeling of excitement or to escape from real life problems. This menace is relentlessly destroying our youth. Some people use drugs by Choice, while others are pressurized by their peer group or society. When I considered the situation, I was flabbergasted. I wondered who is responsible for this ( Is youth themselves responsible) . There is vast network, that is pushing youth into this menace.

A 2023 study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences , Kashmir, found that 72% of drug abusers in Kashmir have Hepatitis C . The institute receives 150 drug addiction cases daily. It also found that over 33,000 syrings are used daily for heroin injections . On an average , a heroin addict in Kashmir spends around 90,000 rupees monthly. The study also reveals that an addict visits Srinagar OPD every 12 minutes . This indicates that the valley is heading towards a disastrous situation.
As per another Report , 28% of the population in the Kashmir valley or about 52,404 individuals are dependent on drugs , with 95% of them using heroin .

Religious View

In Islam , it is clearly mentioned that any usage of such substance is sin and there is punishment for it . Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) clearly explained the punishment for those who participate in spreading this scourge in this society. In the Hadith the Jibrail (AS) come to the Prophet (SAW) and said " O Mohammad (SAW) , indeed Allah cursed the wine , it's owner , it's worker , it's processor, it's coveyer , it's giver and it's taker ".

Social View

Drug addiction is destroying families, worsening the Situation of drug abusers socially, morally and financially. It's also affecting society as a whole. Parent's excessive pampering of their young ones can contribute to this issue, as excessive pocket money can lead them to indulge in such activities. Parenting is indeed, challenging task nowadays.
There is a group of people, who initially provide drugs free of cost to youth and once the youth become addicted, they charge double the cost. It's a lucrative business for them. The situation in our valley is alarming. The situation is deteriorating day after day . It's destroying their careers, families, and working capacity , ultimately affecting the entire society, I'm pondering what can we do to escape this situation. There are numerous real _ life examples before us . It's heart-breaking to hear about their situation. This menace is destroying the future of our valley.
The Valley , once known as Paradise on Earth, has become a hub of drug peddlers . They seem to have lost their conscience. The Valley is at a high risk . The number of youth involved in these activities is increasing daily . This will lead to a dreadful situation in our Valley. Youth see it as a shortcut to escape real _ life problems. It's a growing concern these days. Not only youth but also other age groups are involved, though youth are the most affected.
There are several reasons for this menace, with growing unemployment being a major factor. There is a large number of educated unemployed youth, but job opportunities are scarce .
A recent incident of 2023 in Sopore (town in a Baramullah District of J&K ) , where a youth murdered his mother after taking drugs , is heart wrenching. This is one the worst incidents to have occurred here. This incident shocked the nation. There are other incidents that have pushed humanity back.
If the entire society works together against this menace we may see positive outcomes in the future. Parents can play a crucial role in eradicating this menace. They should keep eye on their children. Authorities should take strict action to abolish this menace. Together, we can achieve more, collectively wean uproot it .

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