Awareness programme on drug addiction held at SKIMS Bemina

Srinagar, Dec 8: An awareness-cum-interactive programme on drug addiction was organised today by the Addiction Treatment Facility, Advanced Center in Mental Health and Addiction Medicine SKIMS MCH Bemina in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) and GCC.

The event brought together more than 50 teachers, counsellors and mental health professionals to deliberate on the growing issue of substance abuse among students and the wider community, held under the theme “See the warning, start the healing.”

The programme began with an introductory address by Dr Nizam-ud-Din, who explained the prevalence and trends of substance use disorders (SUDs) in Jammu & Kashmir. He underscored the importance of early identification, community support and preventive measures within schools to curb the escalating crisis.

A dignitary session followed, attended by Prof. Dr Majid, HoD Psychiatry and Sub-Dean SKIMS Medical College; Dr Zubair Saleem, Specialist Geriatric Medicine & Health Editor, Greater Kashmir; Er. Hakeem Iftikhar, Former Chief Town Planner J&K; Dr Shafa Deva, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Hospital Bemina; Prof. Dr Aijaz Ahmad Rather, HoD Surgery & Associate Dean SKIMS MC; Prof. Fazlul Qadir Parray, Principal SKIMS Medical College; Dr Farooq Ahmad Kuloo, Social Activist & Former Director Animal Husbandry; and Lateef-uz-Zaman Deva, Former Chairman Public Service Commission. Engineer Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Former Advisor to the J&K Governor, joined the session online from Jammu.

Speakers highlighted the role of parents, teachers and counsellors in early detection and intervention for individuals at risk of addiction. They stressed bridging communication gaps between students, teachers and families and emphasised institutional collaboration for timely response.

A panel discussion and short presentations were delivered by multiple specialists, focusing on major aspects of addiction management. Dr. Mehvish spoke on early warning signs of drug abuse in children, Dr. Muntaqueem presented on management of substance use disorders, Dr. Masood discussed motivational interviewing in treatment, while Sameer addressed community involvement and preventive strategies.

The programme concluded with a collective call to strengthen school-based awareness, capacity building of counsellors and multi-sector cooperation to combat rising substance abuse. Speakers reiterated the need for a unified approach involving families, educational institutions and healthcare systems to ensure early intervention and effective rehabilitation.