Drug abuse refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, whether they are legal or illegal substances. It involves the consumption of drugs in a way that goes beyond their intended medical or recreational purposes, leading to negative physical, psychological, and social consequences. Drug abuse can affect people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds and can be particularly dangerous when it develops into addiction.
Drug addiction is considered as a neurobiological disease. When a person becomes a drug addict it is very hard for him to spend a day without taking the drug. Drugs that are the main cause of addiction are heroin, opium, morphine, inhalants, brown sugar, cocaine, diazepam, marijuana (ganja), hash oil, etc. The main pillars of the future of Kashmir are being destroyed by drug addiction. Youth play a vital role in the development of a society and they are the economically most productive and biologically most reproductive part of society.
Kashmir, which was previously recognised for its syncretic traditions, is now tormented by a new epidemic of drug usage and is rapidly emerging as India’s drug capital. Evidently, heroin addiction is becoming a big issue in Kashmir, wreaking havoc on the lives of young people. According to a recent survey, 600,000 persons in Jammu Kashmir are involved in drug-related difficulties, accounting for around 4.6% of the Union Territory’s population.
Unemployment is a major social and economic issue that affects communities all around the world. Aside from the obvious financial ramifications, unemployment can have serious consequences for persons mental and emotional well-being, particularly among the younger generation. In recent years, there has been rising worry that protracted youth unemployment may lead to a rise in drug addiction rates. This essay investigates the link between youth unemployment and drug addiction and provides light on the underlying issues that contribute to this concerning trend.
Unemployment is the leading cause of drug addiction in Kashmir. As we all know, competition for jobs is increasing as the population grows and resources become scarce. In other nations, the private sector provides ample opportunity for young people, but in Jammu and Kashmir, government jobs are the sole alternative. However, it is impossible to absorb all of the youth in the government sector.
Among the several causes leading to Kashmir’s worrisome rise in drug abuse, unemployment and poverty stand out as the primary motivators. Because of a lack of prospects and economic challenges, many people have turned to narcotics for relief.
According to a recent government research, approximately one million drug users live in the Muslim-majority region of 12.5 million people. The central government recently notified parliament that approximately one million people in Kashmir are addicted to cannabis, cocaine, opioids, sedatives, amphetamine-type stimulants, and hallucinogens.
“Unemployment causes frustration and strain on families.” Bad company and ready access to intoxicants are regarded as important contributors to the growing threat.”
“Youths become addicted to drugs when they are unable to find work, despite having a good educational background.”
“The main reason that youths are drawn to drugs is unemployment.” As a result, it is critical to engage them in some sort of action.”
It is the need of an hour that the pace of this drug addiction should be reduced. To address this issue, the government of Jammu and Kashmir must first take rigorous action against drug peddlers, opioid producers, and chemist stores that offer psychiatric medications. Parents and teachers also bear significant responsibilities. Instead of scolding their wards who have become drug addicts, parents must treat them with love and patience. They should endeavour to boost drug users’ morale and belief that they can overcome their addiction. Professional interventionists should also be consulted by parents to help identify the root cause of stress and ways to handle it.
NGOs, governments, schools, and colleges should hold regular programmes and seminars to educate students and the broader public about the dangers of drug addiction. Job opportunities should also be expanded so that unemployment does not become a source of depression and stress.
NGOs, governments, schools, and colleges should hold regular programmes and seminars to educate students and the broader public about the dangers of drug addiction. Job opportunities should also be expanded so that unemployment does not become a source of depression and stress.
If the Union Territory Government is serious about addressing the issue of unemployment, it should devise a strategy. It is critical to remove the roots of drug addiction in order to salvage Kashmir’s future. To be continued…
Author is pursuing Ph.D in Mathematics
