By Mudassir Kuloo
Srinagar, Jun 26: A decade back, Mohammad Rafiq, 30, went to Goa for work, but fell prey to drugs. After nearly-destroying his life, he has returned to senses only to appeal: “Drugs only ruin one’s life”.
“Drugs took a mental toll on my family, yet they stood by me,” he shared here with the audience at the event organised by JK State Aids Control Society at Institute of Hotel Management on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“Initially, medicines did not help me much. I had almost lost hope. Then, luckily, I came across a few people who helped in my rehabilitation.”
Treated, Rafiq, a resident of Dalgate, now lives a normal life.
“I have regained the family trust. Drugs only ruin one’s life,” he said, receiving applause from the audience comprising Director General Health Services JK, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, and Project Director JK Aids Control Society, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, among others.
Like Rafiq, Manzoor, who too turned a drug addict in Goa, said he was lured by his foreign customers.
“It affected my health and I lost my family’s trust. I would have been an athlete had I not lost my interest for sports and stamina to drugs,” Manzoor, 50, said.
“I have seen people from all professions are getting involved in drugs and ruining their lives. I am now living a normal life.”
Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman said Rafiq and Manzoor like people set an example for the society.
“Parents should not create unnecessary competition for their children, and, inadvertently, lead them towards drugs. Children have to get involved in sports,” he said.
Dr Mushtaq said drug abuse was rampant among youth.
“We are going to sensitise Imams, religious, panchayat, mohalla committee heads, and keep a liaison with them,” he said.
“Addiction is a disease, help drug addicts and treat them.”
Nodal Officer Drug De Addiction Centre, Dr Yasir Rather, said the drugs affect liver, kidney, and brain, and lead to death.
“Addiction involves multiple factors. Aggressive and emotional people are prone to drug abuse,” he said.
He said there was an easy availability of drugs in JK. “Hospitals would receive 200 cases of drug addicts in 1960, but the last year we received 3,400 cases. JK is among the five most-illicit drug cultivating states in India.”
