Over 52,000 Kashmiris Dependent On Drugs, 95% Use Heroin: Study

New Delhi: At least 2.8% of the total population of Kashmir has been substance users, with 52,404 dependent on drugs currently, according to the latest survey conducted by the state government.

The report states that of the drug dependents, approximately 95% are heroin users. The average age of initiation of heroin in Kashmir is 22.

The survey was conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHNS), Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with the social welfare department and Directorate of Health. According to officials, this is the first survey on drug abuse conducted across all 10 districts of Kashmir.

CNN-News18 accessed the findings of the report that is yet to be made public.

• At least 2.8% of the total population of Kashmir has been substance users.
• This means that these many individuals have used drugs either in the past or present, but do not fall in the category of drug dependents.
• Substance use was seen majorly in the unemployed population, which is a little over 25.2% of the total population in the 10 districts of Kashmir.
• The average age of initiation of heroin among Kashmiris is 22, while substance use is predominant in young men with a mean age of 28.
• The most commonly used psychoactive substance in every district of Kashmir is opioids.
• On an average, a user spends around Rs 88,000 a month to procure heroin.