Afiya, a young woman in Kashmir, symbolizes the region's alarming drug addiction epidemic affecting thousands, particularly young adults aged 17-33. In 2022, Kashmir surpassed Punjab in narcotics usage per capita, with recent estimates indicating approximately 1.35 million drug users among its population of 12 million. The crisis has escalated dramatically, with treatment facilities reporting a 75% increase in patient admissions in just two years. Factors contributing to this surge include Kashmir’s geographical proximity to drug trafficking routes, highlighting a growing public health emergency in the troubled region.
I used to dream of flying high above the mountains, touching the blue sky as a flight attendant. Now, I am stuck in a nightmare, high on drugs, fighting for my life.
A 2022 study found that Kashmir had overtaken Punjab in narcotics use per capita, with nearly 1.35 million drug users estimated in the region.
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