The Silent Crisis: Drug Addiction, Social Isolation destroying lives
By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
Kashmir is facing a growing but silent crisis — a crisis that is not only destroying the lives of individuals but tearing apart the social fabric of our community. Drug addiction, once limited to isolated cases, has now become a fashion among all age groups, accompanied by a dangerous increase in social isolation.
Drug Addiction is now no Longer Just a Youth Problem: According to various studies conducted by independent agencies, drug addiction in Kashmir now affects people from as young as 14 years to as old as 75 years. This shows that the problem is not confined to the youth but has engulfed all segments of society.
There are two kinds of drug addicts today. Some individuals knowingly start using drugs, fully aware of the risks — they are the conscious addicts. Others fall into the trap unconsciously, driven by emotional distress, peer pressure, or curiosity — these are the unconscious addicts. Both categories are growing day by day.
A decade ago, common addictions in Kashmir mainly involved marijuana (locally known as charas) and, to some extent, alcohol. However, the drug scene has changed dramatically. Now, highly addictive and destructive substances like heroin, opium-based products, and illegal pharmaceutical drugs have flooded the valley. These drugs are far more lethal, leading not only to the destruction of personal health but also to the collapse of entire families.
An addict doesn’t just lose his health — he loses his wealth, dignity, respect, and position in the social structure. In the grand design of the universe, Allah the Almighty created millions of species. But among all creations, humans were honoured as Ashraf-ul-Makhloqat — the noblest and most superior.
Humans are distinguished because they are social creatures. We are born to live in communities, to love, to form relationships, and to care for one another. Emotional, physical, and spiritual health depend on these social bonds. Without them, we suffer deeply.
Drug Addiction Leads to Social Isolation: One of the most serious impacts of drug addiction is social isolation. When a person falls into addiction, shame and fear force them to hide their habits. At first, the addict starts spending long hours alone, locking themselves in their room.
Slowly, they disconnect from their family members, cutting off the closest relationships. Next, they avoid friends, neighbours, and relatives. Eventually, they live in complete loneliness — isolated from the entire social world.
Isolation strengthens the addiction, and addiction deepens the isolation. It becomes a vicious, self-perpetuating cycle. The cycle can also work the other way around. In many cases, loneliness and social isolation cause drug addiction. In today’s technological world, we are becoming what can be called technological fools. Although technology has made life convenient, it has stolen the charm and intimacy of real human connections.
Family members now spend hours glued to their mobile phones, ignoring each other. Instead of sharing conversations, wisdom, and love, they isolate themselves in digital worlds. Children grow up feeling unwanted and unloved. They sense that their emotions and presence are not valued.
Over time, this emotional neglect breeds loneliness. Loneliness festers into depression. And when depression deepens, young minds seek an escape — sometimes finding false relief in the world of drugs.
The journey into addiction often begins with bad company. Individuals who are already addicted are always in search of new members who can spend money on drugs. Initially, they offer drugs for free to new friends.
Once the new person becomes addicted, they start demanding money, creating financial and emotional dependence. The addict mistakenly believes that drugs will remove their loneliness and depression that they will give them pleasure, energy, confidence, and connection. But this illusion is temporary. In reality, drugs only destroy health, happiness, relationships, and dreams.
Loneliness and addiction together create massive health problems. According to studies published in the International Journal of Adolescence and Youth, social isolation has a strong correlation with drug addiction.
Isolation and addiction increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, cancer, brain damage, liver disease, and blood-borne infections like Hepatitis C. Mentally, they cause deep anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal tendencies. The health consequences are not just personal — they ripple out, burdening families, communities, and health systems.
A Step in the Right Direction: Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Government of India has recently launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) under the banner of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC).
As part of this program, awareness activities have been organized across Kashmir at the panchayat level, as well as in schools and colleges. Resource persons, counsellors, teachers, and health professionals are working tirelessly to educate the masses about the dangerous consequences of drug addiction. They are spreading the message that drug abuse not only destroys individual lives but weakens the strength of families and communities.
While these programs are a positive beginning, it is clear that awareness alone is not enough. A deeper cultural, emotional, and social movement is needed to defeat this crisis.
Combating the Crisis: Our Duty and Responsibility: We must act now to break this chain of isolation and addiction. We have many tools, but the most powerful tool is love. To get rid from this menace
Do not keep your children isolated, give them unconditional love, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Understand them. Listen to them. Guide them without judging, help them grow morally and spiritually strong. Tell them they are not scavengers like vultures; they are Shaheen — eagles meant to soar high and touch the skies. Remind your children of their great potential. Teach them that life is not meant for self-destruction but for greatness, courage, and contribution.
This is not just the responsibility of parents but of the entire society. Religious leaders, teachers, social workers, media, and policymakers must join hands to fight this crisis. We need to create more awareness, strengthen human bonds, and rebuild the lost charm of real social life. Only then can we save Kashmir’s youth from the dark grip of drugs and loneliness. The future of Kashmir depends on the strength of its people.
(The author is teacher and Resource Person for IEC Bandipora (Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan)
