DRUG ADDICTION AND SUICIDE AMONG YOUTH IN KASHMIR: ROLE OF PARENTING

Abstract

Drug Abuse and suicides are global issues and are not restricted to specific borders. Annually, the global mortality rate stands at approximately one million individuals. Among these fatalities, suicides account for approximately 700,000 deaths, while drug misuse is implicated in the demise of 300,000 individuals out of a population exceeding 30 million. The region of Kashmir, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, has experienced a notable surge in the prevalence of substance abuse and suicide rates during the past thirty years. According to current research findings, a notable proportion of 4.6% of the population residing in the region of Jammu and Kashmir engage in the consumption of opioid substances. and two-thirds of those under study had begun drug abuse practices throughout the developmental stage spanning from 11 to 20 years of age. Suicide, which ranks as the fourth most prevalent cause of mortality within the age group of 15 to 29 years on a global scale, has had a profound impact on about 6000 individuals in the region of Kashmir over the course of the past three decades. This research report contributes to the existing body of research on diverse parenting styles and their effects on children. The objective of this study is to ascertain the role of parenting and its subsequent impact on children, hence yielding societal benefits. This study aims to address a research gap by examining the impact of parenting on children, specifically in relation to the escalation of drug addiction and suicide rates. The data was obtained by administering a questionnaire to a sample of 100 participants, consisting of parents and youth, education professionals, a cohort of individuals with substance abuse issues, and personnel from two distinct drug rehabilitation facilities.