KASHMER Organizes One Day Workshop On Drug Abuse
By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- As the number of drug abuse cases in the Kashmir valley have increased alarmingly over the past few years, experts believe that the problem has evolved into an epidemic that may be difficult to control, if timely measures are not taken at the community level.
At a one-day workshop on mental health awareness and substance abuse held at the Government College of Education, Maulana Azad Road by the Kashmir American Society for Healthcare and Medical Education Research (KASHMER) in this regard, experts like psychiatrists and counselors presented their viewpoint and offered solutions for how to stop the problem before it gets out of control
They said organizing awareness campaigns at community level could aid in preventing drug abuse in the society to a great extent. For that, experts said the role of religious clerics and civil society is far more important.
“Drug abuse has become an epidemic in Kashmir, where young people use drugs in various forms and exhibit noticeable behavioral changes; I think the situation is far more concerning than it appears. Drug abuse not only has a negative effect on an individual who is into it, but destroys a family. So we as a society have a role to play to save our youth from dying a painful death,” Dr Syed Riyaz, Project Head KASHMER told Kashmir Observer on the sidelines of the workshop.
He said parents are reluctant to admit their children, who are into drug abuse in drug de-addiction centers because of the social-stigma attached to the issue. Elaborating, Dr. Riyaz said the children below 15 years of age in Kashmir use narcotics without their parents even being aware of it.
“Services of religious clerics could be availed in this direction, while religious places like mosques could be the best places for spreading awareness among masses. Society cannot remain mute anymore, we have to break the taboo and rise against this issue before it’s too late,” he added.
Others who delivered lectures on the subject include former Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Srinagar, Syed Hanief Balkhi, Dr Nahida Nazir, founder member KASHMER, Prof Dr Seema Naz, Dr S Mohammad Salim Khan and Uzma Sami, Counselor Healthy Minds.
While expressing grave concern over the rising drug abuse in the society, the expert participants urged everyone, especially parents, to keep a close eye on the kids and look out for behavioral changes in them.
They said society has to wake up to the issue before the substance abuse spreads its deadly tentacles.
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