Ganderbal, June 25 (Scoop News)-: To spread awareness among the students, research scholars, faculty members and other functionaries of the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) about the rampant drug abuse and its fallouts, Dean Students Welfare and Health Centre in collaboration with the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir with the support from Sun Pharma (Sirius Division) organised a one-day general psychiatry wellness camp and an awareness cum lecture session on “Mission Drug Free Campus,” to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,” on Wednesday.
Addressing the participants, Dean School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Prof. Muhammad Yousuf described the rampant drug abuse in the country and particularly in Jammu and Kashmir as alarming and called for immediate and stringent measures to check the same. He said, the objective of organising such a sensitization programme is to aware the stakeholders about the ill-effects of the drug abuse and garner support to combat its spread. “Universities are not just centers of knowledge, but also platforms for molding responsible citizens. Our students must become advocates of a drug-free lifestyle not just for themselves, but for society at large,” he further said.
Consultant (IMHANS), Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Suhaff in his detailed presentation “Breaking the Chain: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All,” gave an overview of the drug abuse problem in the Kashmir valley and the challenges faced by the medicos in dealing with the increasing number of such cases. “The (IMHANS) center is presently receiving 200 to 250 cases, cutting across the age and gender, every day and is overwhelmed,” Dr. Ajaz said. He talked about the link between mental health vulnerabilities and substance use and emphasized the role of preventive education, early intervention, and peer support systems in countering the spread of narcotic addiction among students. He observed, “Addiction is not a choice; it’s a consequence of unaddressed trauma, stress, or neglect. We need to humanize the conversation around drug abuse and provide holistic support to those vulnerable.” Dr. Ajaz further said, “Drug abuse is not just a medical issue; it’s a social crisis. By organising such sensitisation programmes, institutions are showing that education, awareness, and compassion can work together to heal the youth.”
In his address, Dean DSW, Prof. Irfan Aalam who was flanked by Medical Officers, Dr. Sheeba and Dr. Abid said that combating drug abuse requires a multi-pronged approach. “Parents must stay involved and vigilant about their kids and immediately report any behavioural change to the medicos. Schools should foster an environment that promotes mental health and life skills,” he said. Prof. Aalam urged the law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against those involved in drug trafficking and enforce the law for prevention of the same in letter and spirit.
Asst Prof. Deptt of Law, Dr. Reehan Shawl in her welcome address, described it as a health issue and not a moral flaw. “The individuals affected by the drug abuse need proper counselling and support from the families and friends to come out of the menace,” she said.
Asst Prof. Deptt of Law, Dr. Mudasir Bhat who conducted the programme proceedings said the drug abusers deserve empathy and not judgment. “Recovery centers, counseling, support groups, and community involvement can bring about turnarounds,” he further said. Dr. Sheeba proposed the vote of thanks.
Earlier, a psychiatry and wellness camp was organized in collaboration with IMHANS wherein free counseling sessions, mental health screening, and basic psychiatric consultation were offered to both the students and staff. Scores of individuals availed services, which were kept confidential and handled sensitively.
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