Suhail Rather
Srinagar, May 2 (KNS): The Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Srinagar, through its Advanced Centre for Mental & Addiction Medicine, organized a comprehensive awareness programme as part of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan initiative of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, marked the beginning of a series of awareness and training sessions aimed at addressing the growing concern of drug addiction in the region. The primary focus was to educate school teachers and counsellors about early identification, screening, and timely referral of individuals showing signs of substance abuse.
Experts highlighted key early indicators of drug addiction, including declining academic or work performance, behavioural changes, aggression, reduced self-care, sleep and appetite disturbances, absenteeism, and involvement in legal issues such as road rage or theft.
The sessions featured lectures, group discussions, and role-play activities designed to equip participants with practical skills to identify at-risk individuals and guide them towards appropriate treatment facilities. The initiative also emphasised promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging harmful coping mechanisms among youth.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Abdul Maajid, Professor & Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Sub-Dean of SKIMS Medical College Bemina, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling substance abuse. He stated that such programmes are vital in transforming the vision of a drug-free society into reality, helping not only individuals but also families and the broader community.
Dr. Nizam Ud Din, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, delivered a detailed session on “Introduction to Substance Use Disorders.” Other resource persons included Dr. Syed Mehvish, Dr. Gulzar Muzaffar, Ms. Kousar, Dr. Masood, Mr. Sameer Khan, and Mr. Rayees Ahmad.
Prof. Maajid appreciated the proactive role of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, led by Mr. Naseer Ahmad Wani, in ensuring the success of the programme. He also expressed gratitude to Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College, and Dr. Shafa A. Deva, Medical Superintendent, for their continued support in organizing such impactful initiatives.
The programme concluded with a strong commitment to continue awareness drives aimed at early detection, prevention, and effective management of substance abuse, thereby contributing towards a healthier and drug-free society. (KNS)