95 to 99% drug addicts in Punjab are men. However their wives also fall victim to this epidemic.
Emotional Trauma: A husband’s drug addiction shatters trust, leaving his wife feeling betrayed as he prioritizes drugs over family. Broken promises to quit deepen her disillusionment. She endures chronic anxiety, fearing for his safety or legal issues, often leading to depression or guilt. Emotional abuse, like manipulation or verbal attacks, erodes her self-worth, isolating her further.
Financial Strain: Addiction drains finances—savings vanish, debts pile up, or assets are sold to fund the habit. If the husband loses his job, the wife struggles to cover essentials like food or rent. She may take on extra work or face poverty, especially if her earnings are stolen to support his addiction.
Physical Risks: Addiction fuels aggression, increasing domestic violence risks, leaving women vulnerable to physical harm or living in fear. Health threats, like HIV from shared needles, may endanger her unknowingly. Stress and financial strain often lead her to neglect her own health, compounding vulnerabilities in an unsafe environment.
Social Stigma: Society’s judgment brings shame, causing women to hide the addiction and withdraw from social circles, deepening isolation. As primary caregivers, they shield children from trauma, managing their emotional needs alone, which adds to their burden and leaves little room for personal support or recovery.
Barriers to Escape: Economic dependence traps many women, as does fear of stigma or violent retaliation. Limited access to counseling, shelters, or legal aid hinders escape. Despite these challenges, resilient women seek help through support groups like Al-Anon, community aid, or legal action to reclaim control.
