Cause for concern: Over 14L drug addicts in J&K

THERE are over 14.09 lakh drug addicts in Jammu and Kashmir using different forms of drugs ranging from alcohol to cocaine to Hallucinogens, Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has revealed.

- FAYAZ WANI

In response to a question by National Conference MP Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi whether there are nearly 10 lakh drug addicts in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of Social (Mos) for Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Lok Sabha in the written reply that as per the national survey on extent and pattern of substance use in India conducted by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS during 2018, there are estimated over 14.09 lakh people (in age group of 10-75) using various psychoactive substances J&K.

While giving the break-up of drug users, the minister revealed about 4,20,000 people consume alcohol, 1,40,000 cannabis, 5,40,000 opioids, 1,70,000 sedatives, 1,35,000 inhalants, 2,000 Amphetamines Type Stimulants and 1,000 each use cocaine and hallucinogens.