The programme aimed at strengthening awareness and building institutional capacity to prevent substance abuse among youth.

The training programme witnessed active participation from Heads of Institutions and teachers representing various educational institutions across the district. Over the course of three days, the sessions focused on enhancing participants' understanding of substance abuse, early identification of warning signs, counselling techniques, and the role of educational institutions in prevention and intervention.

During the sessions, experts from Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar shared valuable insights into the psychological and behavioural aspects of addiction. They highlighted the mental health dimensions of substance use disorders, explaining common behavioural indicators among students and the importance of early psychosocial intervention, and also addressed the participants and elaborated on counselling approaches, emotional support mechanisms, and referral procedures for students requiring professional help.

An interactive question-and-answer session was held during the programme, during which teachers and HOIs raised important queries regarding identification of at-risk students, referral mechanisms, counselling procedures, and community participation in tackling substance abuse. The experts addressed the concerns comprehensively, making the discussions highly informative and practical for the participants.

The concluding day focused on strengthening counselling skills, developing referral networks, and promoting collaborative efforts between educational institutions, health professionals, and community stakeholders to effectively combat drug abuse among youth.

SWD Srinagar reaffirmed its commitment to continue such awareness and capacity-building initiatives under the Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan to ensure a safer and healthier future for the younger generation.

No:-PR/DDI/K/25/4596/