A growing epidemic of drug addiction is consuming young lives in Indian-administered Kashmir, with thousands of people, including women, being addicted to heroin. A 2022 study found that Kashmir had surpassed Punjab in the number of cases of narcotics use per capita. The surge in drug cases is attributed to factors such as the region’s proximity to the “Golden Crescent” where opium is grown, chronic unemployment, and the loss of partial autonomy in 2019 followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One such case is that of Afiya, a 24-year-old former high-school student who dreamt of becoming a flight attendant. However, her dreams were shattered when the political situation in Kashmir led to the loss of her job and she turned to drugs as a way to cope. Her addiction to heroin has taken a severe toll on her body, leaving her with physical wounds and health complications.
Despite multiple attempts at rehab, Afiya continues to struggle with addiction, often resorting to manipulative tactics to obtain drugs even while receiving treatment. The challenges faced by Kashmiri women seeking treatment for drug addiction include social stigma and cultural taboos.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the need for compassion and understanding towards women struggling with addiction in Kashmir, as many families choose to keep their daughters’ addiction a secret due to societal pressures. With the stigma surrounding drug addiction hindering the recovery process, it is crucial to create a supportive environment to help individuals like Afiya break free from the grip of heroin.
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