In a collaborative effort by the District Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Bandipora and the District Administration Bandipora, a comprehensive awareness and sensitization programme on Drug Demand Reduction was today conducted at Govt. High School Malangam.
The programme aimed to address drug addiction issues, spread awareness and highlight the services provided by DDAC in the journey towards whole-person recovery.
The one-day programme witnessed active participation from students, teachers, and non-teaching staff members of the school, who were enlightened about the various aspects of drug addiction and its impact on individuals and society.
The programme was organised under the leadership of District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed and under the supervision of District Social Welfare Officer, Bandipora, Hidayatullah Mir, who is also Nodal Officer for DDAC.
Showkat Ahmad, the Project Coordinator, DDAC Bandipora, highlighted the diverse range of services offered by the centre, including identification, awareness, counseling, education, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. He emphasized that DDAC is dedicated to providing indoor and outdoor patient treatment facilities, along with a whole-person recovery approach to ensure effective drug demand reduction.
Shabnum Shaban, Counsellor at DDAC, provided insights into the well-equipped infrastructure of the centre, encompassing separate counseling rooms for male and female patients, medical facilities, recreational amenities, and a library. She emphasized that all these services are provided free of cost to support individuals in their journey towards a drug-free life.
Addressing the audience, the Principal of Govt. High School Malangam, Bandipora, praised the efforts of DDAC, its implementing agency JKSWM and District Administration Bandipora and acknowledged that overcoming drug addiction is a gradual process that requires commitment and patience from both the patient and their family. He highlighted the various steps of treatment, including behavioral therapy and withdrawal therapy, tailored to each individual’s needs.
During the event, official the DDAC team expressed commitment to making Bandipora a drug-free district by providing comprehensive support and treatment to patients. The team also distributed informative posters and pamphlets, raising awareness about the adverse effects of drug addiction.
The programme concluded with gratitude extended to management Govt. High School Malangam for its cooperation and support in conducting the awareness event. The initiative aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the participants, fostering a drug-free and healthier community.