SRINAGAR, Kashmir — In the picturesque region of Kashmir, India’s Muslim-majority area plagued by decades of conflict and violence, a new enemy has emerged — rampant drug addiction.

According to the latest figures given in the Parliament, the region with a population of 14 million has almost 1 million drug addicts. But amid the scars of conflict, the region is witnessing an inspiring alliance among faith, compassion and determined individuals who are striving to heal their community.

With its stunning landscapes and rich spiritual traditions, Kashmir has long been associated with beauty and tranquillity. However, the toll of killings, arbitrary arrests and social unrest has left a profound impact on the mental health of its people, particularly the youth.

Alarmed by reports of widespread addiction, religious leaders and nongovernmental organizations are taking the lead in combating this crisis. Through spiritual guidance, community involvement, and professional assistance, Kashmir seeks to heal the wounds inflicted by addiction and restore hope to its population.

The toll of conflict and trauma

For decades, Kashmir has been a hotbed of conflict, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, widespread injuries and a pervasive sense of fear and instability.

The consequences of this protracted conflict extend far beyond physical casualties. The trauma and mental health issues caused by the violence have led to increased loneliness, isolation and depression, particularly among the region’s youth. The lack of accessible mental health resources has left many searching for solace elsewhere.

The power of spirituality in Kashmir

Kashmir’s rich spiritual heritage, deeply rooted in Sufi Islam, offers a sanctuary for those seeking refuge from the chaos outside. The region is dotted with Sufi shrines that have provided solace and healing for centuries. Within these sacred spaces, individuals find respite from the violence and turmoil, immersing themselves in prayer, meditation and the recitation of the Quran. The soothing aroma of incense sticks and the recitation of Quranic verses in these sanctuaries provide balm to troubled souls. Islamic scholars attest to the therapeutic effects of listening to the Quran, which can reduce anxiety and instill a sense of relaxation.

Religious leaders: Guardians of peace and healing

Recognizing the power of spiritual guidance, religious leaders in Kashmir are playing a pivotal role in the fight against drug addiction. They advocate for the establishment of local committees tasked with monitoring substance abuse in residential and business areas. They say that these committees composed of community members can serve as guardians against the spread of addiction.

By offering support, education and interventions, they strive to create an environment of love and affection that empowers individuals to break free from the chains of addiction.

Imam Mohammad Qasim of Masjid Murtaza in Batmalloo emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the prevailing issue of drug addiction. He acknowledged that despite the awareness of the harmful consequences, individuals continue to succumb to addiction, jeopardizing their well-being.

Imam Qasim proposed the formation of committees in residential and business localities comprising dedicated members responsible for monitoring drug usage within their respective areas and preventing outsiders from spreading addiction.

“These committees would provide regular reports to assess the ground reality and effectively curb drug addiction,” he said.

The imam emphasized the importance of approaching the issue with love and compassion, urging society to distinguish between hating addiction while extending support to those trapped in its grasp.

Recognizing addiction as a detrimental affliction to both individuals and society at large, he emphasized the need for practical steps and adherence to religious principles to combat this pervasive problem.

“Individuals must seek guidance from religious leaders who can assure them of support in overcoming depression and associated challenges,” he said.

He reinforced the belief that making a sincere effort to connect with God would be reciprocated with divine assistance. Quoting instances of divine trials, he explained that hardship serves as a test of faith, while steadfastness in prayer leads to spiritual elevation and eventual relief from suffering.

Drawing a parallel between worldly distractions and the solace found in prayer, Imam Qasim highlighted the calming and peaceful effects of remembering God. He emphasized the role of remembrance in finding inner peace and tranquillity.

“True success lies in combining awareness with practical community initiatives, demonstrating unwavering support for those affected by addiction,’ he said.

Shattering taboos: Unmasking Kashmir’s drug addiction crisis

Mohammad Sabir (name changed), 24, who struggled with addiction for 10 years, feared the devastating consequences his drug use would have on his parents. Eventually, his secret was exposed, leading to his parents’ descent into depression.

Sabir’s desperation to keep his addiction hidden pushed him to great lengths. When his mother found heroin in his pocket, he confronted her and fabricated a story, claiming it belonged to a friend. However, the truth became undeniable when his mother discovered him injecting heroin in the washroom.

The shock and distress overwhelmed her, causing her to faint instantly. Not only did Sabir’s addiction wreak emotional havoc on his family, but it also had severe financial implications.

“I drained not only my own savings but also depleted the joint bank account I shared with my father,” he said. “In a desperate bid to fuel my drug habit, I resorted to selling valuable possessions such as the motorcycle my parents had gifted me upon completing my matriculation, and eventually even my car.”

The case of Mohammad Sabir sheds light on the broader issue of drug addiction in Kashmir. Despite the prevalence of the problem, it remains largely concealed due to the associated social stigma. Drug addicts in the region are hesitant to seek counseling and medical attention until their situation has escalated to an extreme level. When they finally do approach doctors, it is often during the withdrawal stage, when they are grappling with pain, restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Psychiatrist Fazle Roub, based in Srinagar, emphasizes that by the time addicts seek professional help, they are already entangled in a web of financial, legal and occupational problems. The initial focus is on managing the withdrawal phase through medication to provide relief from the distressing symptoms. Once the patient is reassured that the withdrawal phase will pass, attention shifts to alleviating discomfort with the help of painkillers and appropriate medications.

“Developing a strong rapport between patients and the medical team, comprising psychiatrists and doctors, becomes crucial,” he said. “Long-term therapy, involving both the individual and their family members, takes center stage. Addressing the underlying mental issues that contribute to drug addiction becomes an essential aspect of the treatment process.”

According to Roub, the prevalence of drug abuse in Kashmir can be attributed to various factors, including political turmoil and high unemployment rates. Individuals may initially experiment with drugs out of curiosity or for recreational purposes, but as personal struggles intensify, they can quickly become trapped in a cycle of addiction.

NGOs: Champions of rehabilitation

But while religious leaders play a crucial role in addressing drug addiction, various nongovernmental organizations have also stepped up to combat this pressing issue.

One such organization, led by Ashiq Hussain in Srinagar, has been actively assisting substance abusers in their journey to recovery. Recognizing the urgent need to address drug-related diseases like AIDS and hepatitis, Hussain’s program provides clean syringes to individuals struggling with addiction.

“It is common for drug addicts to share needles and syringes among themselves,” Hussain said. “We are associated with the ‘Needle Syringe Program’ which primarily is meant to stop the occurrence of diseases like the HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis.”

The process of rehabilitation is complex and time-consuming, often spanning several months. However, the program’s efforts have proven fruitful, with hundreds of individuals successfully breaking free from the shackles of addiction.

Hilal Ahmad’s story: Triumph over addiction

Hilal Ahmad, a fruit seller in a Srinagar market, epitomizes the possibility of redemption from addiction. After a decade-long struggle with heroin addiction, Ahmad decided to embark on the path of recovery.

With the support of his family and the assistance provided by NGOs, he underwent a grueling withdrawal period that tested his resolve. Medication and counseling became integral parts of his rehabilitation journey. Today, Ahmad proudly declares himself a family man, having left behind the destructive grip of addiction. His story serves as a beacon of inspiration for others trapped in the cycle of substance abuse.

“I remained on medication for two years after being addicted to heroin for a decade,” he said. “It was not easy to leave drugs; my withdrawal symptoms were crushing. I used to sweat profusely and felt always dehydrated. But an urge to be with my family was the motivation for me to give up on drug addiction.”

Editor’s note: Funding to ReligionUnplugged.com from Google’s News Equity project helped sponsor this story.

Zaffar Iqbal is a journalist based in Kashmir, India. He has reported for 18 years on armed encounters, environmental issues, crime, politics, culture and human rights. He’s formerly the bureau chief of Jammu-Kashmir for NDTV.