SRINAGAR, APRIL 22: An interactive session with recovered and recovering patients of substance abuse was held today at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS-K) as part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
The event, co-hosted by the Directorate of Social Welfare, was attended by around 23 patients of substance abuse who have recovered from the same.
Welcoming the participants, Medical Superintendent, IMHANS-K, Dr Ajaz Baba lauded them for their courage and resolve in combating the affliction of drug addiction. HOD, Psychiatry, Prof (Dr) Arshad Hussain highlighted the role of such interactions in reducing isolation and fostering hope among those struggling with addiction and drug dependence.
Nodal Officer, Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation, Prof (Dr) Yasir Hassan termed the recovered patients of Substance Abuse as ‘fellow combatants’ in the fight against drug addiction. Several patients shared their stories of struggle and success. One of the recovered patient related how after giving up drugs his relationship with his family had undergone a sea change and how he had got his business back on track and gained back his lost respect. He termed his successful recovery as “a journey back from darkness to light.” Another patient said that though the struggle wasn’t easy he had got his life back and was “happily married now and living a meaningful life.”
Some patients complained that societal attitudes towards former substance users are not very encouraging and they have to struggle with suspicion and distrust.
The event which was co-ordinated by Dr Ajaz Suhaff, Medical Officer Oral Substitution Thearapy (OST) and Sajad Ahmed, Sr. Social worker, IMHANS concluded with a shared resolve to combat the menace of drug addiction at individual as well as community levels.