Qysar Ul Islam Shah
Let me start this topic with the famous verse of Allam Iqbal(RA)
Nasha pila ke girana to sab ko aata hai
Maza to tab hai ki girtoon ko thaam lay saqi
Allama Iqbal (RA)
The drug trafficking literally means an illicit trade involving the cultivation,manufacture,distribution and sale of substance which are subject to drug prohibition. But we have been witnessing such cases with each passing day in Kashmir which is quite alarming. We have to be enough aware about the trafficking unless we will watch something unexpected in our young generation and societies. It is very much serious serious if watched minutely like production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs. It can ravage the entire society without taking much time. Drug trafficking is one of the most serious problem for most countries all over the world. Unfortunately this type of business is rather profitable, if not to consider that is constantly related to murders, kidnapping, prostitution and other crimes. Drug trafficking is a social problem that harms the youth and families and the money it generates is diverted for disruptive activities that have bearings on national security. Actually drug trafficking is often associated with other forms of crime such as terrorism, money laundering and corruption. Whether drug is being trafficked or addiction both can devastate the entire complexion. Drug trafficking in Kashmir is a serious issue that poses challenges to the social, economic and political. The illegal trade of drugs has been a persistent problem and it continues to evolve and became more sophisticated with new technologies and methods. It is important to address these emerging challenges with innovative solutions to ensure the well being and safety of society.
There is lack awareness among people about the dangers of drug abuse and many people don’t know how to identify drug abuse or how to get help. Young people who are not educated about the risk of drug are particularly venerable to falling prey to drug traffickers. Drug addiction is a disease that effects a person’s and behaviour and leads to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substance such as alcohol and nicotine are also considered drugs. Even though the person may know that the drugs are harming his body he cannot control his urge to consume more and more drugs. The addiction makes an individual dependent. Let me mention here the tale of my colleague who is addict of smoking and his opinion regarding the smoking is that by quitting this bad habit makes an individual dependent on first week later decreases the same position, which he actually wants to point out that will power can remove or quit the bad habit. Drug addiction is a complex disease and quitting usually takes more than good intentions and will power. Researchers are of the opinion that drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. In the initial the decision to take drug is voluntary for most of the people but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person self control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to drugs. It is common a person relapses, but relapse doesn’t mean that drug treatment doesn’t work, but lacking of will power. The long term drug causes different changes in the brain and affecting functions that include. Learning, judgement, decision making, stress, memory, behavior etc. Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes many people who use drugs continue to take them which the nature of addiction. A persons environment includes many different influences from the family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress and parental guidance can greatly effect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you are addicted to drugs you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. We have been witnessing some unexpected or surprising events occurred in rural and urban areas that killing of mothers and daughters by kins due to increasing of addiction by the people. Our young generation is rapidly heading towards addiction which is the most sensitive issue, which needs ro be addressed. The civil society should play an active role in curbing this menace. J and K police is absolutely doing the wonderful job in order to curb the trafficking and addiction, as well solving the grave issues related to it. The heart wrenching incident that took place before a month in Khurham of Kupwara where a father stabbed death to his daughter after picking her in his own vehicle and strangled her. The father was the addictive and he doesn’t know what he was doing? which clearly indicated that drug devastates the brain of an individual. The same case occurred in Sopore where a son killed her mother which is quite evident the effect of drug addiction.
If you are depressed, have trouble paying attention or worry constantly, you have higher chances of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better. A history of trauma in your life also makes you more likely to have addiction. Children’s brain is still growing and drug use can change that. So taking drug at an early age may make you likely to get addicted when you get older. If your parents or siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs you are more likely as well. Women or men are equally likely to become addicted. Impact of drug abuse can affect almost all organs jn the human body, drug use can weaken the immune system, increasing successbility to infections, causes cardiovascular conditions ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injected drug can also lead to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves causes liver to have to work harder possibly causing significant damage or liver failure.Drug addiction refers to consumption of harmful substances that affects a person’s mental as well as physical health. It involves taking dangerous and excessive consumption of legal and illegal drugs which leads to changes in person’s behavior. It is a method of self destruction. The misguided teenagers and frustrated adults are prey of this habit. If the responsible citizens of the society will not take note of it that teens are engaged in taking drugs or becoming addicted then the day is not far when these goons are going to disrespect any one of the society, be men, women etc. We must create a welfare society in order to curb the menace. The school going children are not safe if the rate of addiction increases in the society. Police are doing commendable job to curb it at grassroots level. Drug abuse is now a social as well as cultural problem for today’s generation as it has started polluting the minds and morals of youth.
Drug addiction weakened immune system increasing the risk of illness and infection. Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessels infections from injected drugs. Nausea and abdominal pain which can also changes in appetite and weight loss. Addiction can create problems with memory, attention and decision making will make daily living more difficult. Global effects of drugs on the body such as brest development in men and increases in body temperature which can lead to other health problem. With 2.5 percent of the population using drugs, Kashmir has emerged as the country’s top drug affected region, ahead of Punjab where 1.2 percent of the population reportedly addicted to drug abuse. In Kashmir particularly in rural cum far-flung areas we must setup an organization headed by a well known senior citizen who will look keenly into the internal affairs of the society to guide the adults and finding way to bring them back from the clutches of addiction. If such initiatives will not get due importance, then the situation is alarming. We have been witnessing such an irreparable Situation day in and day out regarding the drug trafficking and drug addiction. The ulmas and imams have significant role in controlling the addictions, they must prepare their sermons regarding trafficking and addiction in light of the teachings of Islam. No religion permits either to consume of carrying it to someone or allows to glamorize it. In such a situation we all are accountable befor Almighty Allah. We must teach our children the importance of morality and consequences of Drug Addiction. We have to preserve our future generations from this menace.
Qysar Ul Islam Shah teacher by profession teaches at BHS Diver Lolab, and has done Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) through Regional centre Rengreth Srinagar.
