From Smoking to Pill: The Silent Epidemic of Drug Addiction Among Youth. Dr Sameer Ul Haq

​ From Smoking to Pill:                                 

The Silent Epidemic of Drug Addiction Among Youth

Dr Sameer Ul Haq

Drsameerulhaq234@gmail.com

In the scenic valleys of Kashmir, known for its centuries-old culture and hospitality, snow-covered peaks and lush green meadows, a quieter, darker story is unfolding in this “Pir Vaer” or “The Land of Saints”.

The journey from smoking a casual cigarette, to cannabis (Charas), to a full-blown prescription-pill such as Tapentadol and opioids is becoming more common among young adults with majority of whom are in school or attending college.

According to a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, over 13.5 lakh individuals in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) used drugs, with around 1.68 lakh being minors aged 10-17 years.

A recent study from IMHANS and GMC Srinagar, revealed 1232 new patients, 104 of them reported using Tapentadol, a painkiller with the majority of them being young adults under the age of 30. Experts warn that easily availability of prescription-pills adds to the challenge.

Today, the transition from smoking to experimental use of a prescription-pill is becoming faster and more insidious.

The “progression” includes gluing inhalants, mixing cough syrups with sedatives, and swapping easily accessible tablets for heroin.

The switch from smoking (nicotine or cannabis) to pills (sedatives or opioids) emerges when the desire is not just to “feel good” but to escape a deeper malaise of hopelessness, anxiety, or chronic stress.

For many young people in Kashmir, vulnerability to addiction is shaped by years of conflict and trauma, unemployment, and the creeping idea that “everyone is doing it, so let me try also”.

It is also linked to region-specific dynamics. Kashmir’s proximity to Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran), which is known for its opium cultivation, provides traffickers with easier pathways for illegal drugs.

Decades of insurgency have left many people depressed and bearing trauma.

The Changing Face; From Cigarettes To Pills

Historically, drug addiction in the region was thought to be limited to cannabis use, particularly among unemployed youth.

Today, the shift has become more complicated and challenging. Teenagers, primarily from schools and colleges are experimenting with tablets, pills, and alcohol.

The phenomenon of “poly-drug use” is becoming increasingly common among youngsters, who mix cannabis with sleeping pills, or switch between drugs to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The notion that addiction is only for under-privileged is a myth.

Students, drivers, and even employed youth are among the users.

As a result, the transition from causal smoking to use a pill is less about class and more about access, and underlying vulnerabilities.

The Human Cost, Families and Future: 

Families are often the first victims of this “Silent Epidemic” after the user. The human cost is replaceable, as are familial and future costs. At the user level, it has the significant impact on the physical, mental and emotional health.

On the other side, families of users experience immense emotional distress, remorse, helplessness, relationship disintegration, and social stigmatisation.

Financially, families may first face the cost for drugs because most users pressurize their families for money, followed by the burden of treatment costs, a literal double burden.

The future costs far outweigh the current effects on the individual. It has irrevocable consequences on individual’s future, stopping them from realizing their full potential and making meaningful contributions to the society and nation.

Disrupted education, loss of career opportunities and chronic physical and mental problems limit their ability to compete with the rest of the society, increasing the likelihood of social neglect. It only not robs the individual of a promising future, but also deprives a society form a valuable asset.

What is still missing and what needs to be done: 

The government of J&K has implemented many measures to tackle drug addiction, including the state-level “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan”. Efforts have also included establishing de-addiction centres throughout the state. However, there are substantial gaps and challenges in early identification and prevention.

Early detection in schools and colleges is limited, due to shortage of trained staff who can recognize early signs of substance abuse.

Community involvement is limited and requires active engagement. Access to rehabilitation might be hindered by financial constraints, and social stigma.

Prevention efforts are insufficient, particularly in educating youth about how experimenting things can lead to dependence.

Finally inadequate drug regulation, easy access, smuggling, and pharmaceutical diversion require stronger enforcement.

A multi-dimensional approach to curb the menace of drug addiction requires coordinated action across healthcare, education, community, policy, and law-enforcement sectors.

Strengthening healthcare system by equipping with screening tools for early detection and integrating addiction treatment with mental health services.

Introducing drug education and life skills courses into schools and colleges, as well as organizing awareness workshops and peer-led events can help youth engage proactively.

Involving local community leaders, and parent groups to create a supportive environment and raise awareness about changing trends of substance abuse.

Using support models such as youth survivors of drug use as mentors can be powerful and motivating.

Enforcement of strict regulations and monitoring of hotspots for substance abuse, as well as promotion of state-level campaigns.

Multistakeholder collaboration can provide a comprehensive approach to prevent, manage, and reduce the burden of drug addiction.

A Light Of Hope:

Despite the concerning situation, all is not lost. There are many success stories of recovered young people, healed families, and lightened futures. Early identification is important, and one must recognize it before it’s too late.

The onus is on parents and caregivers to stay vigilant, maintain open and appropriate communication, and create an environment of trust, support, and friendship rather than fear or punishment.

Equally important is the role of educators and teachers, who can provide a supportive and friendly environment and guidance.

With significant challenges, these combined efforts offer a ray of hope for a brighter future for the youth.

From the cigarette smoked at a wedding to the drug taken in despair, the path to addiction is shorter, faster, and lonelier than many realize.

With parents and teachers to play a key role, awareness, early action and sustained support, the cycle of addiction can be broken, and the promise of a productive future can be reclaimed.

"To all readers, parents, teachers, doctors, elders and everyone else: through every small act of care, listening, guiding, and supporting - a brighter future for our youth can emerge."