Srinagar, June 28 -- Recent observations from health professionals and community workers point to a shifting pattern in drug abuse that presents new challenges in the Kashmir Valley. The focus has moved beyond the known dangers of heroin and similar narcotics to include pharmaceutical drugs like tapentadol and pregabalin. These prescription medications, often misused due to their availability, now form a growing portion of the addiction landscape in the region. The misuse of prescription drugs adds layers of complexity to the problem. Unlike traditional narcotics, these medications are often accessible, making early detection and intervention more difficult. The consequences are severe and widespread, affecting not only individual mental ...