Srinagar, Feb 11 (KNO): Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of individuals seeking treatment for drug addiction over the past five years, with 35,639 people benefiting from government-supported de-addiction centres in 2023-24, the data presented in the Lok Sabha reveals.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the cases have increased 145 times in the last five years, rising from 247 cases in 2019-20 to 35,639 in 2023-24.
However, Ladakh continues to have no de-addiction facilities, leaving affected individuals without access to rehabilitation services.
In 2019-20, only 247 individuals in Jammu & Kashmir received treatment at de-addiction centres. The low numbers indicate either limited awareness or a lack of facilities catering to addiction cases at that time.
Ladakh, which became a Union Territory in 2019, had no reported cases of individuals seeking treatment, as no centres were operational in the region.
By 2020-21, the number of beneficiaries in J&K increased to 1,509, suggesting a rising awareness of rehabilitation programs. However, Ladakh still recorded zero cases, as no government-supported de-addiction centres were set up, the data reads.
In 2021-22, the number of drug addiction cases in J&K rose significantly to 5,372, more than three times the previous year's figure. This marked the beginning of a major surge in substance abuse cases. Meanwhile, Ladakh remained without any facilities, and no individuals were recorded as receiving treatment.
The trend continued in 2022-23, with 17,018 people undergoing treatment at de-addiction centres in Jammu & Kashmir. This sharp rise reflected the increasing severity of drug abuse in the region. Despite the growing need for rehabilitation services, Ladakh remained without any government-supported de-addiction centres.
By 2023-24, Jammu & Kashmir reported its highest number of cases yet, with 35,639 individuals benefiting from de-addiction services. This represents a nearly 145-fold increase from 2019-20. However, Ladakh’s status remained unchanged, with no government-supported centres available for addiction treatment—(KNO)