Bandipora, February 14: To combat the rising challenge of drug addiction, the District Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Bandipora, in collaboration with the Excise and Taxation Department, Range North Kashmir, organized an Awareness Programme on Drug De-Addiction and Rehabilitation at N Academy Bandipora.
An official spokesperson said the event was attended by large gathering of youth, students and educators. The programme commenced with a welcome address, highlighting the urgency of community-driven efforts to eradicate drug abuse.
Speaking on the occasion, Danishwar Shafi, Excise and Taxation Officer emphasized that the fight against drugs is not the responsibility of institutions alone. Every individual, family, and community must act as vigilant guardians to protect youth.
Excise Inspector Mubashir Altaf followed with a presentation on the physical, psychological, and socio-economic impacts of substance abuse.
Dr. Anjum Ara, Medical Officer, DDAC Bandipora, provided a comprehensive overview of the medical dimensions of addiction. She elaborated on withdrawal symptoms, treatment protocols, and the rehabilitation services available at DDAC, stressing, “Recovery is a journey, not a destination. With timely medical intervention and psychosocial support, reintegration into society is possible.”
She said, “Drugs don’t just destroy individuals—they fracture families and destabilize societies.”
Adv. Mudasir Nazir, Counsellor, DDAC, detailed the DDAC’s free-of-cost services, including counseling, medication, shelter, food, recreation etc. “No one struggling with addiction should hesitate to seek help. DDAC’s doors are open to all, irrespective of socioeconomic status,” he said.
Jawhar Ahmad, Outreach Worker (ORW) at DDAC, concluded the technical sessions with actionable advice, outlining “do’s and don’ts” for families and communities to prevent relapse and support recovery.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A, where participants raised concerns about rehabilitation accessibility and stigma. Posters and pamphlets highlighting the helpline number and service and facilities available at DDAC were also distributed among the participants beisdes momentos were presented to students who performed in the event.
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