November 19:`Police in Budgam have organised a day long workshop cum training programme on prevention of drugs for Govt teachers at District Police Office Budgam under the banner “School-based education for drug abuse prevention”.

The workshop, which was the first of its kind was attended by 25 teachers of different Higher Secondary Schools nominated by the Chief Education Officer Budgam.

Mrs Insha in charge of the drug-addiction Centre Budgam hosted the event. Dr Nisar Ahmad, Associate professor, Higher education Department Govt of J&K, Dr Kounsar Jan Assistant professor, Higher education Department Govt of J&K, Dr Umair Qayoom Medical Officer, Health services Govt of J&K and Mr Junaid Ghayas, Psychologist, Health services Govt of J&K lead different sessions during the training programme.

SSP Budgam Shri Tahir Saleem-JKPS in his inaugural lecture provided a glimpse of the situation related to drugs in the district to the participants, highlighting the worsening situation in the last few years. SSP Budgam alarmed the participants about the rising drug abuse and emphasised that teachers being a basic pillar of society have a larger role to play in such a situation.

The trainers deliberated on different aspects of the drug menace. Dr Nissar explained the various signs reflecting drug abuse by an individual. He also elaborated on various issues like toxic parenting, and the role of society particularly the teachers and NGOs in preventing drug abuse. He highlighted the role of personality and behaviour in addiction and how it can be moulded at school level.

Similarly, Dr Kounsar Jan focused on the role of education in preventing addiction. She further elaborated on the difference between a psychiatric ailment and addiction. Dr Umair Qayoom provided a practical demonstration on how to use a UDS kit to the participants and also made the participants aware of the ways how the addicts sometimes try to manipulate the test results. Dr Umair further acquainted the participants about the primary intervention (first aid) to be given at the school level. Junaid Ghayas highlighted how to identify cases of addiction in school and psychotherapeutic intervention to be given to such students.

The program ended with anti-drug abuse signature campaign and distribution of certificates and momentous to the speakers and participants. Refreshment was also provided to all the participants.```