Early Times Report
BANDIPORA, June 19: 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. |
