A couple from South Kashmir has spent nearly one crore rupees on their drug addiction but is now on the path to recovery. Initially, the man, Sameer (name changed), struggled with drug addiction, which later influenced his wife, Sumaiya (name changed), to also become dependent on drugs.
In an interview with Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sameer shared his journey into addiction. “I started as a smoker and later befriended a drug addict, which drew me into addiction,” he said. “Once I became fully involved, I began selling my belongings to buy drugs. I got married during this time and initially hid my addiction from my wife.”
Sameer said that he told his wife that his drug use was merely medication to manage stress. As a result, Sumaiya unknowingly began using the same drug to cope with her own stress. “Eventually, we were both deeply entrenched in addiction,” Sameer added.
Sumaiya said, “Once I got fully involved, I sold everything, including my jewelry, land, and other belongings, just to support my drug habit.”
“I would sell items, and my husband would manage drugs for both of us,” she said.
The couple spent approximately Rs 80 lakh to one crore on their addiction. After depleting their resources, they sought help after being advised by their parents and relatives. They then visited an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) for assistance.
Both Sameer and Sumaiya initially doubted their ability to overcome their addiction but have started to recover with the help of proper guidance, counseling, and treatment at the ATF.
A doctor at the ATF, who is treating the couple, told KNO, “The woman has almost fully recovered and is under observation, while the man is still in treatment but is following it diligently.”
The doctor said that anyone can overcome addiction with the right treatment and support from family and society.
“Many individuals avoid seeking treatment due to social stigma,” the doctor noted, urging society to eliminate these stigmas and support those in need.
