A Study of Substance Use in Kashmir: Prevalence, Contributing Factors, and Intervention Strategies

Background Kashmir is witnessing an epidemic of substance use affecting individuals from all walks of life. It has become a severe public health and social crisis in the Valley.Method This narrative review paper reviews available literature to assess the prevalence of substance use in Kashmir and the factors which contribute to it. The paper analyses the prevalence and contributing factors of substance use in Kashmir by reviewing various studies, government reports, articles, etc. retrieved from credible data sources like Google Scholar, PubMed, reputed newspapers, government websites, etc.Results Common factors were identified and grouped into various key themes like mental health issues, socio-demographic factors, technology, etc. The review reveals a high prevalence of substance use in Kashmir, especially the intravenous opioid (heroin) use, primarily among the age group 17–35 years. Contributing factors include mental health issues, unemployment, more nuclear family structures, loss of informal social control, lack of social support, easy access to technology, and Kashmir’s proximity to the Golden Crescent.Conclusion By integrating evidence-based insights, the review paper aims to inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers about more responsive and holistic action, supporting effective, and context-specific, and technology-driven solutions for substance use prevention and rehabilitation in Kashmir.