Srinagar, Dec 8 (KNS) : An Awareness-cum-Interactive Program on Drug Addiction was today organised by the Addiction Treatment Facility, Advanced Centre in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine, SKIMS MCH, in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) and GCC, under the theme “See the warning, start the healing.”
The event brought together over 50 teachers, counsellors, and mental health professionals, highlighting the growing concern of substance abuse among students and the wider community.
The inaugural session was graced by several prominent dignitaries, including Mr Lateef-uz-Zaman Deva, Former Chairman of the Public Service Commission; Dr Farooq Ahmad Kulo, social activist and former Director of Animal Husbandry; and Er. Hakeem Iftikhar, Former Chief Town Planner J&K; Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College;Dr. Shafa Deva, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Hospital Bemina; Prof. Dr Aijaz Ahmad Rather, HoD Surgery & Associate Dean; Prof. Dr Maajid, HoD Psychiatry & Sub-Dean; and Dr Zubair Saleem, Specialist in Geriatric Medicine & Health Editor, Greater Kashmir.
Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai (IAS), Former Advisor to the Governor of J&K, addressed the gathering online from Jammu.
All the dignitaries emphasized the urgent need for societal, administrative, and community-level collaboration to tackle the threat of drug addiction. They called for strengthened moral values, improved self-esteem among youth, early detection, removal of stigma, and timely referrals.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe critical role of parents, teachers, and counsellors in identifying early behavioural changes was strongly highlighted.
The technical sessions featured multiple experts:
Dr. Nizam-ud-Din presented an overview of Substance Use Disorders and changing drug abuse trends in J&K.
Dr. Mehvish, Assistant Professor Psychiatry, spoke on warning signs of drug abuse in children.
Dr. Muntaqueem, Senior Resident, discussed management strategies for SUDs.
Dr. Masood, Associate Professor Clinical Psychology, explained the importance of motivational interviewing in treatment.
Mr. Sameer, Assistant Professor Psychiatric Social Work, highlighted community participation and preventive strategies.
The program stressed the need for school-based awareness, capacity building of counsellors, and multi-sector cooperation to counter the alarming rise in substance abuse across the region.
A poster competition was also held, where Ms. Aalima, Ms. Arzu, and Ms. Nyla secured the first, second, and third positions respectively. The event was coordinated by Dr. Masood, Mr. Musharaff, and Mr. Rayaan.
In the concluding remarks, Prof. Abdul Maajid extended gratitude to all participants, including representatives from GCC, DSEK, teachers, and counsellors, for their active involvement. The program ended with a collective pledge to strengthen preventive education and ensure timely interventions through united efforts of families, schools, and healthcare institutions.(KNS)