Drug Abuse Prevention Committee
Introduction
According to the UGC Circular stated on 04.03.2020, College of Nursing, East Coast Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry Constituted a Drug Abuse Prevention Committee on 09.03.2020.
Alcohol and drug abuse has emerged as a serious concern in India. Article 47 of the Constitution provides that "The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavor to bring about prohibition of the consumption except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health." India is a signatory to three United Nations Conventions, namely:
- Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961;
- Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971; and
- Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
Thus, India also has an international obligation to, inter alia, curb drug abuse. The United Nations General Assembly, in its 20th Special Session in 1998, has accepted demand reduction as an indispensable pillar of drug control strategies. The demand reduction strategy consists of education, treatment, rehabilitation and social integration of drug dependent persons for prevention of drug abuse.
For the purpose of drug demand reduction, the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been implementing the Scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse since 1985-86. The Scheme was revised thrice earlier (1994, 1999 and 2008) prior to the recent revision which came into force from January 1, 2015.
1. Aims & Objectives
- To create an awareness among the students regarding Drug Abuse.
- To create awareness among the public.
- To reduce the impact of Drug Abuse & Drug related activities on individuals and communities.
2. Functions
- Foster a safe, healthy, and drug-free environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
- Organize awareness programmes, seminars, workshops, rallies, exhibitions, and guest lectures on the harmful effects of drug and substance abuse.
- Provide information on the physical, psychological, social, legal, and academic consequences of drug and substance abuse.
- Conduct activities to mark occasions such as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (26 June) and other relevant observances.
- Encourage students to adopt healthy coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, sports, yoga, cultural activities, and other positive lifestyle practices.
- Recognize students who may be vulnerable to substance abuse and facilitate appropriate guidance, counselling, and support services.
- Offer confidential counselling and refer students requiring specialized treatment or rehabilitation to appropriate healthcare professionals or de-addiction centres.
- Document committee meetings, awareness activities, counselling referrals, and other initiatives undertaken by the committee.
3. Regulations of the Committee
As you are aware, drug addiction is a major challenge in many Higher Educational Institutions (HEls) with numerous cases of youngsters getting addicted to substance abuse. There is an urgent need to confront the problem head on, and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ & E), Government of India has formulated a national programme for drug demand reduction. A concerted action plan bringing together Narcotics Bureau, NGOs and health institutions is going to be implemented from 01.04.2020.
In this regard, the Universities and Colleges can take a leadership role in addressing the drug menace by undertaking the following measures:
- Constitute "Say No to Drugs" student bodies in their respective HEI under the mentorship of a faculty member.
- The student bodies should also act as an early warning system in case any misuse/abuse of drugs is detected, by informing the regulatory agencies for cutting the supplies.
- The student bodies should support in the rehabilitation of their fellow students who are addicted to drugs, through constant communication, counselling and continued support to instil self-confidence and self-belief in such students.
- Organize awareness programmes through talks by health experts on ill effects of drug usage, nukkad nataks, poster making etc.
- Promoting the concept of 'Health Promoting University' emphasizing holistic health and well-being of all stakeholders.
- HEIs to prepare an action plan to roll out the above activities in a time bound manner.
4. Committee Members
| S.No | Designation / Role |
|---|---|
| 1 | Chairperson |
| 2 | Member Secretary |
| 3 | Member (Faculty) |
| 4 | Student Representatives (Each Class) |