JAMMU, Feb 19: The Jammu & Kashmir government on Thursday informed the Legislative Assembly that approximately 70,000 people in the Valley are involved in substance use, with nearly 50,000 addicted to heroin, primarily through intravenous use.
Responding to a question by MLA Javid Riyaz, the Health & Medical Education Department highlighted that J&K, like many regions of India, faces serious social and public health challenges due to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The government said it has adopted a comprehensive strategy, combining awareness campaigns, preventive measures, stricter enforcement, and expansion of treatment and rehabilitation facilities. A joint survey in 2022 by the Health and Social Welfare Departments across 10 districts of Kashmir found around 70,000 substance users.
A network of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres has been set up across the Union Territory, including facilities in district hospitals, government medical colleges, and police-run centres. Nearly 69,000 patients have received treatment so far. Free services, including OPD/IPD care, emergency services, and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), are available at Medical Colleges and District Hospitals through Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). Currently, 1,864 clients are registered, with 358 actively receiving care.
Specialised care is being provided through Mental Health and Addiction Medicine Clinics, while awareness campaigns under NHM, NMHP, NAPDDR, and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan are ongoing in schools, colleges, and community settings. The Drug Control Organization has enforced the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and conducted 518 awareness programmes in 2025–26 (till December). Helpline 104 has been publicised for counselling and immediate assistance.
The government emphasised its commitment to expanding de-addiction and rehabilitation infrastructure, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas. IMHANS Kashmir and government medical colleges are scaling up services, and inpatient facilities are being set up for specialised care. Addiction Treatment Facilities at GMC Anantnag, Handwara, and Srinagar are fully functional, offering counselling, OST programmes, outreach, and referral services. GMC Baramulla has been sanctioned Rs 5 crore for a dedicated de-addiction building, while Drug Treatment Centres are operational to provide structured treatment and follow-up care.
The government affirmed that institutional mechanisms for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation are in place and continue to be strengthened to curb substance abuse among the youth in Jammu & Kashmir.