DDAC Bandipora urges early action against Drug Abuse

BANDIPORA : As part of the ongoing 100-Day J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) Bandipora (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India) in collaboration with District Administration Bandipora today organized a District-Level Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Programme at Govt High School Mukdamyari, Hajin, aimed at strengthening awareness among students and educators regarding the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of early intervention.
The programme witnessed the participation of students from Classes 8th to 10th and members of the teaching and non teaching faculty.
Project Coordinator, DDAC Bandipora, served as the Resource Person for the awareness session and delivered an informative lecture on the theme “Nasha Se Azadi – Choice Aapki, Zindagi Aapki.”
During his address, the Project Coordinator introduced the innovative “SHARE Code” to help students, teachers and parents identify early warning signs of substance abuse. He explained that S stands for Sleep Disturbance, H for Poor Hygiene, A for Anger/Irritability, R for Result Decline in Academics, and E for Evasive Eyes/Behaviour can often indicate the onset of drug dependence. He further clarified the distinction between observable signs noticed by others and symptoms experienced by the affected individual, emphasizing that addiction is a medical condition requiring treatment and support rather than stigma or judgment.
Highlighting the critical role of teachers and parents in prevention, he described them as the “first line of defence” against substance abuse. He urged teachers to remain vigilant regarding absenteeism, sudden behavioural changes and declining academic performance, while encouraging parents to maintain open communication with their children and be alert to signs such as secrecy, unexplained demands for money and social withdrawal.
“Don’t judge, don’t delay—report early to save a life,” he remarked while stressing the importance of timely intervention.
The session also provided detailed information about the services available at DDAC Bandipora, located in the Old District Hospital Bandipora. Participants were informed that the Centre offers free and confidential treatment services, including Outpatient (OPD) and Inpatient (IPD) care, medical detoxification, psychological counselling, rehabilitation and follow-up support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
The DDAC Supervisor also shared the Centre’s 24×7 Helpline Number: 9596022376, assuring participants that all services are provided free of cost and that patient confidentiality is strictly maintained.
The programme concluded with a collective anti-drug pledge by students, teachers and resource persons, reaffirming their commitment not to consume drugs, not to encourage others to use drugs, and to work collectively towards making Bandipora a drug-free district.
The school administration appreciated the efforts of DDAC Bandipora and observed that such awareness initiatives play a vital role in creating a protective and informed environment for young people and the wider community. IEC material carrying key awareness messages and helpline information was also distributed among participants.
The programme forms part of DDAC Bandipora’s sustained outreach efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at building a healthier, safer and drug-free society through awareness, prevention, treatment and community participation.