HOYSIARPUR DISTRICT REHABILITATION CENTRE HOLDS AWARENESS CAMP ON DRUG ABUSE AT JUVENILE HOME

HOYSIARPUR DISTRICT REHABILITATION CENTRE HOLDS AWARENESS CAMP ON DRUG ABUSE AT JUVENILE HOME

Hoshiarpur /Daljeet Ajnoha/June 16

 District Drug De‑addiction and Rehabilitation Centre, Hoshiarpur, organised an awareness camp at the Juvenile Home/Observation Home to educate residents about the harmful effects of substance abuse, preventive measures and available treatment options, officials said.

The initiative was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Hoshiarpur, Ms. Ashika Jain, IAS, and Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Swati Sheemar. Medical Officer‑in‑Charge Dr. Jasleen Kaur, counsellor Prashant, Superintendent of the Juvenile Home Mr. Puneet Kumar and other staff members from the district centre were present.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Jasleen Kaur described substance abuse as a serious social and mental‑health concern that impacts not only the physical and psychological well‑being of the user but also their family and community. Citing the World Health Organization, she said addiction is a treatable medical condition that can be successfully managed through timely medical intervention, counselling and family support.

Dr. Kaur warned that tobacco and cigarettes often act as “gateway drugs” leading youth towards other substances. She highlighted that tobacco contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including several carcinogens, and is linked to heart disease, lung disorders, respiratory problems, cancers and damage to multiple organs. She urged young people to refrain from tobacco and all forms of intoxicants and to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

She further stressed that addiction harms academic performance, employability, family relationships and social life, and appealed that individuals struggling with substance use be offered treatment and counselling rather than stigma or ostracism.

Counsellor Prashant explained that addiction is often a long‑term, relapsing condition and outlined free treatment services provided by the Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department. He informed attendees about the 24‑hour tele‑mental health service offering support for mental stress, anxiety, depression and substance‑related counselling through helplines 14416 and 1800‑89‑14416. For district‑level assistance, residents can call 85580‑01882.

Prashant added that de‑addiction centres are operational at Civil Hospital Hoshiarpur and Sub‑Divisional Civil Hospital Dasuha, where affected individuals undergo detoxification treatment for 15–21 days. Where required, patients are admitted to the government rehabilitation centre at Mohalla Fatehgarh, Hoshiarpur, for 90 days, receiving treatment and rehabilitation services. These centres also offer vocational skill‑development courses in collaboration with the district administration and the Red Cross to help beneficiaries regain self‑reliance.

He also noted that the Punjab Health Department runs O.O.A.T. clinics at district, sub‑division and CHC levels where medication‑assisted treatment can be initiated through an online system with written consent from the patient and family. Under the National AIDS Control Programme, OST (opioid substitution therapy) centres provide specialised care and support for people who inject drugs.

The camp concluded with an oath taken by the attending youth and staff members to remain drug‑free and to work towards a drug‑free society.