Drug And Substance Abuse Among Youth In Jammu: A Contemporary Social Problem

Abstract

Drug and substance abuse has become a serious contemporary social issue among youth in Jammu and Kashmir, with a growing number becoming dependent and experiencing a decline in their quality of life. The terms use, misuse, and abuse are often used interchangeably, though their boundaries remain ambiguous and context-dependent. The range of substances abused today is vast, including depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, narcotics, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, sedatives, synthetic drugs, inhalants, and tranquilizers—each with differing effects, from inducing sleep to stimulating alertness. The reasons behind substance abuse are complex and rooted in psychological, social, economic, and environmental factors, such as peer pressure, unemployment, trauma, and lack of recreational outlets. Several theories attempt to explain the phenomenon, including socio-psychological, trait, biosocial, learning, relative deprivation, strain, and anomie theories, highlighting its multifactorial nature. The consequences are far-reaching, affecting individuals physically, psychologically, and socially, while also imposing economic and political costs on families, communities, and the broader society. In Jammu and Kashmir, the impact is particularly concerning given the region’s unique socio-political context, making it essential for government bodies, educators, health professionals, and communities to collaborate on prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation efforts to protect and support the region’s youth.