The initiative has started when Kashmir has reportedly surpassed Punjab in cases of drug abuse
Srinagar- Mental healthcare experts, social workers, religious figures and community leaders have joined hands to tackle Kashmir’s growing drug addiction problem.
The anti-drug drive has started at a time when an AIIMS survey claims that “over 6 lakh people” in the Jammu and Kashmir are affected by addiction.
The initiative was started by Pe’nd Online, which is a digital platform for Kashmiris across the globe to network and discuss issues related to Kashmir.
The popular social-media podium has sought public suggestions and questions to make the initiative participative and result-oriented.
Pe’nd Online is running the 4-session expert discussions in the name of “Drug Deaddiction Series”, starting from February 25, 2023.
The first session—“Substance Use Disorder in Kasheer- Challenges and Solutions”—is led by two UK-based Kashmiri psychiatrists and one psychiatrist from Government Medical College, Srinagar.
“The experts are exploring various medical aspects of the issue of addiction—causes, behaviours, and treatments,” the organisers said in a statement.
The second session—“Responding to Addiction with a Twelve Step Program–Alcoholics Anonymous and Milati Islami”—will be held on March 4, 2023.
“Alcoholics Anonymous is a self-driven twelve step spiritual program for alcoholics who wish to move towards sobriety,” the organisers said.
“People come together in fellowship, regardless of age or education level, to solve their drinking problem. Milati Islami is an Islamic version of the same program. In this session, two experts, one Christian, and one Muslim, will help us understand the program, and how best it can be adopted in the setting of Kashmir.”
Notably, Kashmir is slowly becoming a “drug hub” in Northern India, having more than 67,000 drug abusers, of which 90 percent are heroin addicts, using more than 33,000 syringes daily.
A recent study done by the Government Medical College’s Psychiatry department has revealed that Kashmir has surpassed Punjab in drug abuse cases and is currently at the number two position among the top drug abuser states in the country.
The third session—“Detecting and Responding to Mental Health Issues”—is being held on March18, 2023.
“This session is aimed mostly at mental health workers, social workers, Imams, and community leaders,” the online platform said.
“The two experts will provide a framework for how to identify and intervene in a mental health crisis and effectively interact and establish a therapeutic relationship. This session will be based on an Islamically integrated model of counselling and therapy.”
The finale of the series—“How to Overcome Addictions: An Islamic and Psychotherapeutic View”—is set for debate on March 25, 2022.
“In this session,” the organisers said, “two psychotherapists, who are also experienced Imams, will address mental health and well-being from a spiritually integrated therapeutic perspective. The focus will be on how to address addictions and work towards embracing inner change.”
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