Srinagar, Indian-administered Kashmir – Afiya, a young woman of 24, sits quietly at the edge of her hospital bed in the rehabilitation ward of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar, her frail hands delicately working at the loose threads of her dark-brown sweater. Once brimming with dreams of soaring high as a flight attendant, she is now ensnared in a harrowing battle against addiction. “I used to dream of touching the blue sky,” she shares, reflecting on the tragic journey that has brought her to this point.
Afiya’s plight is emblematic of a broader epidemic consuming the youth of this historically rich and picturesque region. A 2022 study from the Government Medical College in Srinagar revealed that Kashmir now surpasses Punjab, a neighboring state long wrestling with drug-related issues, in per capita narcotic use. New estimates from an Indian Parliament report in August 2023 suggest that around 1.35 million of Kashmir’s approximately 12 million residents are dealing with drug addiction, a remarkable surge from the 350,000 reported the previous year. Alarmingly, 90 percent of these users fall within the 17 to 33 age range, highlighting how the crisis predominantly affects young adults.
SMHS Hospital has reported a staggering increase in drug-related admissions, treating over 41,000 patients in 2023 alone—a substantial rise of 75 percent since 2021. Medical experts point to the region’s geographical proximity to the “Golden Crescent,” encompassing parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, which has become synonymous with opium production. However, factors such as chronic unemployment, exacerbated by the 2019 revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status, have also propelled many young individuals toward substance use as a coping mechanism.
Dr. Yasir Rather, a leading psychiatrist at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), laments the inadequacy of treatment facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for more comprehensive addiction services in the region. As fewer hospitals provide specialized care for severe cases, stories like Afiya’s are becoming all too common.
Once a promising high-school student with aspirations of a dynamic career, Afiya found her dreams shattered during a tumultuous period for her community. The political turmoil that ensued following the revocation of Kashmir’s special status left her feeling isolated and disconnected from her family. It was during this time of emotional distress that she first turned to recreational substances—a choice that quickly spiraled into a devastating addiction.
Remarkably, experts are also starting to see a troubling rise in drug use among women in the region. Dr. Rather indicates that societal pressures and mental health issues are contributing to the growing number of women seeking solace in drugs, a phenomenon that once was predominantly male.
Afiya’s struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing Kashmiri youth. The complexity of this crisis underscores the need for greater awareness and compassion, coupled with holistic and culturally-sensitive approaches to rehabilitation. As the community grapples with these multifaceted issues, the resilience and strength of the region’s people shine through, highlighting the potential for recovery and a brighter future.
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