ADDICTION: THE DARK SIGHT

The terms Habit and Addiction are often used interchangeably yet there are significant differences between the two. Habits can be both positive and negative whereas addictions by their very nature are only negative. However I believe when there is dependence on good habits it becomes addiction as well. Here my point is “addiction” and not to differentiate the two. An addiction manifests itself through major negative impact on your health, relationships, employment, spirituality and life especially when it is “Drug Addiction”. Drug addiction also called substance use disorder is dependence on a legal or illegal drug or medication. When you are addicted, you are not able to control your drug use and you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for drug. You may want to quit, but you find it difficult.

According to WHO report there are some 500 lacs of drug addicts in world, out of which 3 million and 4 million are in India and Pakistan respectively, as reported by United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). United Nations International Drug Control Programme survey in 2008 showed that there were more than 70,000 drug addicts in Kashmir, including 4000 women addicts having grievous impact on personal life, family as well as society of addict. From the perspective of medical science, all drugs affect Central Nervous System which by prolonged use of drugs is permanently damaged followed by harm to other organs. The addicts become victims of various diseases, psychosis, hepatitis & even AIDS. Islam also guides us here and commands; consumption of harmful drugs that reduces the capacity of the human mind temporarily or permanently is strictly forbidden, for that is self-destruction. The Holy Quran says; “O ye people!  Eat of what is on earth lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.”  (Al-Baqarah, 2:168). The addicts usually have dull, unhappy life and are psychologically maladjusted lot and suffer from insecurity. The addicts create problems for families; both the spouses and the children of drug dependent persons are prone to high incidence and wide range of physical and psychiatric deterioration. However Holy Quran urges us “Let not your own hands contribute to your destruc­tion.”(Al-Baqarah 2:195) thus proscribes us from any such act that can be detrimental to us which would encompass use of harmful drugs also.

 Drug addiction is one way of not meeting and solving the problems of life. When people do not solve their problems society will work less well. Moreover the drug users get illicit drugs from illegal sources, thereby encouraging smuggling. In addition addicts very often turn to crimes as a means of paying for their addiction which leads to law and order problems in society.

Before we think of eradicating this menace we need to know its root cause. Causes of drug addiction are many: It may be genetic, environmental and psychological but as far as our valley is concerned it is of psychological nature, caused especially due to unemployment and turbulence in state. A pilot study carried out by NGO “Concerned About Universal Social Empowerment” (CAUSE) revealed that nearly 22 percent graduates, 6 percent post graduates and 2 percent PhD holders are involved in drug addiction in the vale. Moreover, the political upheaval prevalent in our valley has been prominent factor in triggering an explosion in drug addiction spread. The continuous sense of insecurity and threat to the life and property has resulted in emotional instability of youth, thus luring them to drug addiction as an attempt to escape realities of life. For the last two decades, the people of Kashmir valley are trapped between the Indian army and militants. This long drawn conflict is responsible for the deteriorating mental health of the people and the drastic rise of drug abuse in the valley. However easy availability of drugs in market and making illicit drugs as source of income and backbone of economy by cultivating huge mass of  poppy and cannabis in different areas of valley cannot be underestimated.  

Despite state establishment is aware of its causes and terms it dangerous than militancy, it is matter of concern that they have no permanent and effective mechanism to tackle this problem consequently de-addiction centers established by police could not furnish satisfying results. Religious scholars ,non-governmental organizations and concerned people ,no doubt raise concern from time to time but every time that proves a far cry due to lack of sincerity and non cooperation of government institutions.

Unless and until political, religious, social and nongovernmental organizations would work jointly and on the same wavelength, the future of state cannot be beshielded from falling prey to the designs of unscrupulous elements.

Writer: Zeeshan Rasool Khan (Post graduate student of zoology), Mohdzeeshan605@gmail.com