From addiction to ambition
*Defeat addiction before it turns your dreams into ruin
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, May 25: A few years ago, 27-year-old Firdous (name changed) from Kishtwar would wake up every morning with only one thought – how to arrange money for drugs. His family had almost given up hope, relatives had stopped visiting their house and neighbours whispered whenever he passed through the lane.
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Today, the same youth is preparing for various Government jobs while also counseling similarly situated persons at a rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of Jammu. Ironically, this is the same centre where he once spent months battling substance abuse and trying to reclaim his life.
After overcoming years of addiction and despair, Firdous now dreams of living a dignified life and supporting his family, which credits his determination and timely counseling for helping him survive the darkest phase of his life.
“I was studying in the 8th standard when I first tried drugs at the instance of some companions. I became completely dependent after taking admission in a college in Himachal Pradesh, where procuring drugs from neighbouring Punjab was not difficult,” he recalled.
“With time, my parents came to know about my addiction. Instead of being harsh, they convinced me that my life still had value and that with determination I could overcome this problem,” he said, adding that his condition gradually improved after undergoing treatment and counseling at a rehabilitation centre near Jammu city.
Now focused on rebuilding his future, Firdous has a message for other youngsters trapped in addiction. “Parents are your biggest well-wishers. Don’t hide anything from them. If anyone is struggling with drugs, they should come forward for treatment and counselng. With strong determination, life can become normal again,” he said.
Firdous is not alone. Across the Jammu region, several youth who once struggled with substance abuse are scripting inspiring stories of recovery through determination, family support, counseling and rehabilitation programmes of the Government.
Many have succeeded not only in breaking free from addiction but also in rebuilding careers, reconnecting with families and regaining social acceptance. Some have started small businesses, while others are preparing for competitive examinations and recruitment tests for Government jobs.
For Varun (name changed), a resident of old Jammu city, addiction had pushed him into complete isolation while he was pursuing college education. He dropped out midway and spent most of his time away from home.
“My parents cried every day. There was constant tension in the family and I had completely lost confidence,” he recalled. His turning point came after repeated counseling sessions at a rehabilitation centre where doctors and counselors patiently worked not only on treatment but also on restoring his self-belief.
Now sober for more than three years, Varun is successfully running a home décor business and supporting his family financially.
Holding multiple factors responsible for the growing drug menace, he said addiction is not merely a medical issue. “It affects mental health, family relations and social confidence. A recovering addict needs encouragement and acceptance from society,” he added.
Sharing how counseling helped him overcome the crisis, Varun said parents should maintain regular interaction with their children so they feel comfortable opening up. “The issue of drugs should not be treated as a taboo. Youngsters must be made aware of the devastating consequences of addiction,” he said.
Saurabh (name changed), who slipped into drug addiction following a failed relationship, spent several years in mental distress before overcoming the problem with the support of his parents and counseling at a rehabilitation centre.
Unlike many others, he started consuming drugs without peer pressure. However, through sheer determination and sustained rehabilitation, he managed to come out of the worst phase of his life and is now successfully running a private business.
“There were days when nobody trusted me even with Rs 100. Today, suppliers provide goods on credit because they know I am sincere,” he said proudly.
According to the doctors and counselors, such stories underline the importance of timely intervention, counseling and rehabilitation in tackling substance abuse. According to experts, many addicts relapse because society continues to identify them by their past instead of recognising their efforts to reform.
“A recovering addict needs encouragement, acceptance and continuous support,” said a counselor at a rehabilitation centre in Jammu.
Many parents endured social embarrassment, financial strain and emotional trauma during the addiction phase, yet continued to stand firmly beside their children throughout treatment and recovery.
Officials and healthcare experts have also appreciated the Government’s intensified anti-drug campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan, which has significantly expanded awareness, counseling, treatment and rehabilitation facilities across the Union Territory.
Under the campaign, the administration has strengthened de-addiction services in hospitals, enhanced counseling mechanisms, intensified awareness drives in educational institutions and communities, and improved coordination between healthcare agencies, law enforcement authorities and social organisations. Rehabilitation and counseling facilities are now being made accessible in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir so that affected youth can seek timely assistance without fear or stigma.
Doctors and social workers believe the Government’s sustained focus on awareness generation, treatment and rehabilitation is encouraging more addicts and families to come forward for help. They said the campaign has also helped in reducing the social stigma associated with seeking treatment for addiction.
Experts emphasised that recovery from addiction is a gradual process requiring patience, discipline, medical support and societal acceptance.
For Firdous, Varun and Saurabh, the battle is no longer about escaping addiction – it is about building a meaningful future. Their journeys stand as powerful reminders that with timely counseling, rehabilitation, family support and unwavering determination, individuals can overcome even the darkest phases of life and return to society not as victims of addiction, but as symbols of resilience, recovery and hope.
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