By Padma Dolkar ,
Student of GGM Science College Jammu .
Consumption of drugs, especially among the youth has become one of the most alarming issues across the world, and with a heavy heart, we must admit that Ladakh is not an exception. The younger generation, once admired for innocence and simplicity, is now falling for this destructive trend.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) RTI:
According to an RTI response from the CMO, Leh, the number of registered drug-related cases in January to july 2025 were:
• Alcohol-dependent syndrome: 362 cases
• Cannabis-dependent syndrome: 29 cases
• Opioid-dependent syndrome: 68 cases
• Poly-substance use: 31 cases
• Nicotine usage: 42 cases
Police Department RTI:
According to an RTI response from the Leh District Police, the drugs seized between January 2023 to July 2025 include:
• Charas-like substances: 14.66 kg
• Ganja-like substances: 3.846 kg
• MD-MD: small quantity (not viable in weight)
• Heroin: 10.59 g
• Cocaine
• Tab/capsules :- Sikma Spas 09 strip 9×24 =216 Capsules, Spasmoproxyoum 05 strips 24×5 =119 Capsules, 52 small packets contain brown sugar 12 Gm, LSD two strips, Capsules Spasmo= 400 Nos, SPN-PRX capsule= 400 containing tramadol 09 tablets.
The police also reported that most drugs are supplied by outsiders from regions such as the Nepal border in Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Many come to Leh in search of work but are involved in drug distribution to earn extra money. And they also reports, a total of 60 people have been arrested, and 40 FIRs have been filed related to drugs cases over the years.(2023-2025).
Both the CMO and the police department have conducted several awareness campaigns and raids in collaboration with schools, NGOs, village committees, and other local departments. While these efforts are commendable, still large-scale effective and consistent programs are urgently needed.
As per the conversation with the founder of an NGO name International Fellowship of Buddhist Youth Ladakh (IFBYL) popularly known as (Dhamma House Stok, Mr. Tsewang Norbu Vivek,) shares that many students dealing with addiction to drugs, alcohol, tobacco and mental health have participated in their winter/summer camps. And most of these students have completely recovered through the NGO’s activities, which includes, personal guidance, counselling, yoga, meditation, spiritual teachings, awareness street-shows, workshops and many other career-oriented activities.
NGO’s like this deserve recognition and support from both govt. and society, as they are playing a vital role in addressing the issue of addiction and mental health in the region.
Possible reasons, why people turn to drugs:
1.Academic Pressure and Mental Health
We often hear that phrase “knowledge is power,” but when the pursuit of knowledge comes at the cost of mental health, then something is deeply going wrong with the education system.
Many students under intense academic pressure turn to drugs to cope with stress, fear of failure, and feeling of rejection. It’s so unfortunate to see that even in 2025 mental health remains a stigma and people still hesitate to talk about it openly and that’s where the anxiety, depression, and hopelessness force them to use substances.
2. Peer Pressure
Adolescent phases of a child are very fragile with lots of emotional and mental changes and their egos are still developing, and they can be easily influence. During this period, peer pressure often plays a vital role and pushes them into harmful choices. Many children start using drugs not out of need, but to fit in, and just to feel accepted among friends and social circle.
3. Unemployment and social judgement.
A large section of the youth of Ladakh are still unemployed despite having all academic qualifications. And the constant judgment from society for not clearing specific exams or not having a secure job along with repeated questions like “What are you doing nowadays?” and “Haven’t you cleared the exams yet?” keeps reminding them of being unemployed.
This issue is especially difficult for boys and men, who are often seen as the pillars of society and taught to always be strong. From a young age, they hear phrases like, “You are a boy; you are not supposed to cry,” and are mostly expected to carry the responsibilities of their family silently.
Those who fail to meet these expectations are often looked down upon as failures. And over time, these unspoken emotions build-up within them and some may turn to drugs as a way to cope with their unspoken frustration.
4. Curiosity and Exploration
Some people start taking drugs out of simple curiosity, often influenced by what they see in movies and series. They believe it’s just a one time experiment and never repeat it. But the reality hits something different once they are addicted and soon it takes full control making them hard to get back on normal track.
5. Parenting and Family Role.
Unfortunately, many parents are unaware of the kind of friend circles their children associate with, the academic pressures they face, or the emotional support they need. And many parents don’t focus or are involved in the lives of their children, even during their vulnerable adolescent years, which ultimately leads them toward harmful choices and exposure.
6. Failure of system and law enforcement.
Failure of law enforcement with loopholes in trade routes, delayed trials, and bribery create safe passage for dealers and worsening the problem. Many dealers often target children and distribute it for free at first and then start charging high amounts once they become dependent.
7. Lack of rehabilitation centre and awareness.
Not everyone starts taking substances out of curiosity, peer pressure, or stress. Some do so simply because they are unaware of the consequences. When they realize the impact, it becomes very difficult for them to get back on track.
Lack of Rehabilitation centres and support facilities in the region is another unfortunate reason which makes it even harder for people who are desperately seeking help to overcome their addiction .
Solutions and Way Forward
• There is an urgent need for rehabilitation centres in both Leh and Kargil, equipped with proper facilities, well-trained staff, modern detection techniques, and other necessary equipment. A dedicated helpline number is also urgently needed to address the issue. Additionally, a special budget must be allocated to support awareness campaigns and the rehabilitation centres effectively.
• Collaboration among all the public departments including police, CMO, social welfare departments, NGOs, schools, colleges, and village committees is essential to maintain proper records of data and recoveries.
• Large-scale regular awareness programs, Professional counselling, community support, and non-judgmental care for victims and their families can create a strong shield against addiction.
• Active parenting by providing proper guidance, moral values, care, and emotional support from an early age can prevent nearly half of the problem.
• Every parent must understand that parenting is not just about giving their children excessive pocket money or sending them to fancy schools outside the region. Parenting also means protecting the future of their children.
• An addiction cannot be fought by the system alone, families must actively participate without being judgmental.
• Stronger investigations, faster trials, stricter punishments, and modern detection techniques and monitoring of all entry point of Leh-Srinager and Leh-Manali highways are needed to disrupt the supply chain in the region .
• Officials on duty must be held accountable for negligence or bribery to ensure the supply chain is effectively disrupted.
• Regular monitoring, checking and raids must be conducted by the field staff and police to discourage the supplier.
Conclusion and Message to the Youth
It is disheartening to see, Ladakh, a land of spirituality, struggle with the grip of drugs. But the fight against addiction requires the whole society including police, healthcare, NGOs, educational institutions, families, and individuals together.
To every person who turns to substances out of depression, academic failure, unemployment, frustration, family issues, wrong influence, peer pressure, or curiosity, “drugs are not a solution,” no matter how frustrated, confused and hopeless you feel and how challenging the situation seems. In-fact it’s a trap which engulfs you emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially.
There is nothing wrong in seeking help and talking about mental health does not make you weak. And please understand you are not alone, there are people ready to help you. Reach out to family, friends, or professionals before it’s too late and choose real connection and support over dependence on any harmful substances.
Yes, you can redirect your life. Yes, you can break free from the loop of addiction. All you need is the courage to take the first step to help yourself and accept help from others.
“The snow may cover the mountains of Himalaya, but addiction clouds your future.
Let the skies above Tsomoriri and Pangong remind you that freedom is possible, and let the mountains of Ladakh teach you patience, and the strength to break free from addiction and say no to drugs.’
#SAY NO TO DRUGS.
