by Shahid Nazeer
In Kashmir, public discourse has long been dominated by conversations around politics, security and development. Yet, another challenge has steadily unfolded in homes, classrooms and neighbourhoods a silent crisis that threatens not only individual lives but the social fabric of the Valley. The neighbourhoods: of substance abuse has emerged as one of the most pressing public health concerns of our time, demanding not only law enforcement measures but also empathy, professional care and collective action.
Drug addiction is often described through numbers, the number of arrests, seizures or patients admitted for treatment. But behind every statistic is a human story, a student whose education has been interrupted, a family struggling to hold itself together, or a young individual searching for a second chance. These stories remind us that addiction is not merely a personal failure; it is a complex medical and social challenge that requires understanding rather than stigma.
Against this backdrop, the Drug De-addiction and Counselling Centres stands as an encouraging example of how institutions can work together to address one of society’s most difficult challenges. In Baramulla, Drug De-addiction and Counselling Centre Established in February 2014 under the aegis of the Dagger Division of the Indian Army, the Centre has, over the years, evolved into more than a treatment facility. It has become a place where recovery is measured not only by freedom from addiction but by the restoration of confidence, dignity and hope. One principle lies at the heart of meaningful rehabilitation: recovery begins the moment a person believes that change is possible. Professional treatment can guide the journey, but determination, family support and community acceptance sustain it.
The Centre’s approach reflects this understanding. Every individual is treated with sensitivity through psychological assessment, counselling, psychiatric consultation where required and continued follow-up. Rather than focusing solely on medication, the emphasis is placed on understanding the emotional and social circumstances that often accompany addiction. Such an approach recognises that healing is not achieved in isolation but through rebuilding relationships, restoring self-belief and reconnecting individuals with society. Equally significant is the Centre’s work beyond its counselling rooms. Through awareness programmes conducted in schools, colleges and community institutions, it seeks to address the problem before it begins. Preventive education is perhaps the strongest defence against addiction, particularly among young people navigating academic pressure, unemployment,
peer influence and emotional distress.
Prevention is always more powerful than rehabilitation. Every young person guided away from addiction represents a life protected before it reaches a point of crisis. According to the Centre’s annual report, thousands of individuals have benefited from counselling and rehabilitation services since its establishment, while awareness campaigns have reached hundreds of students and community members across the district. The collaborative model supporting the Baramulla Centre offers valuable lessons. The Indian Army’s role in facilitating such initiatives demonstrates that community welfare and public health can complement broader institutional responsibilities. Alongside partners such as ONGC through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and the implementing agency ASEEM Foundation, the Centre reflects how collaboration can create sustainable social impact.
The author can be mailed at nazirshahid378@gmail.com
