Shimla
Drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh is no longer confined to statistics or police record,it is steadily consuming the lives of young people. Chitta (heroin) has emerged as a grim reality, pushing youth toward crime, illness, and imprisonment during what should be the most productive years of their lives. The story of a 32-year-old man lays bare this harsh truth.
A Friendship That Led to Ruin
The man recalls that at the age of 20, a friend from Chandigarh introduced him to chitta. He was told it would “relieve stress” and “make him feel good.” What began as a casual experiment soon turned into dependency. Initially, the drug was given to him for free—a tactic that later proved to be the costliest mistake of his life.
From Free Supply to Mounting Debt
As his body developed an addiction, the free doses stopped. To fund his habit, he began lying to his parents—asking for money under the pretext of fees, books, or illness. When funds from home dried up, he borrowed from relatives and acquaintances, sacrificing relationships and self-respect to satisfy his craving.
Physical Collapse and Risky Practices
Continuous injection use damaged the veins in his hands and legs. According to him, many addicts eventually inject into sensitive body parts when veins collapse. Some even dissolve intoxicating tablets in water and inject them, risking heart failure or sudden death.
From Addict to Trafficker
With rising debts, he came in contact with drug traffickers from outside the state. Initially supplied on credit, he was later forced to distribute chitta to repay dues. His addiction turned him into a trafficker. He was arrested three times, faced criminal cases, and served jail time.
A Vicious Cycle Without Rehabilitation
Even after being released from jail, he found no effective support system or rehabilitation assistance to help him quit. As a result, he slipped back into addiction, unable to break the vicious cycle.
Teenagers and Young Girls Targeted
He warns that the drug mafia is now targeting teenagers aged 16 to 18, school and college students, and even young girls. Free samples are allegedly offered at first, only to later trap them into becoming suppliers.
“I Am Ruined, But Others Should Be Saved”
Now 32, he survives on daily wage labor. His health has deteriorated, and mental stress continues to haunt him. “I am ruined,” he says with regret, “but I hope no other son of Himachal falls into this hell.”
Experts emphasize that along with strict law enforcement, strong rehabilitation programs and awareness campaigns are equally essential to prevent youth from falling prey to drug addiction.
