Kataria administers oath of de-addiction at awareness event on drugs and substance abuse
The event — 'Drugs and Substance Abuse' — was organised on Tuesday at Tagore Theatre, by Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR), in which Kataria was present as the chief guest.
In his address, Kataria said that spreading awareness on drugs and substance abuse is a social need. He said that this programme is not just a medium to share information but is the foundation of a future where every child and citizen can live a drug-free, safe and empowered life. Expressing concern over the modern lifestyle, he said that parents today do not have time for children, and it is important to know with whom the children are living, what they are watching, and in what environment they are growing up. He urged schools and parents to look seriously at small behavioural changes in children and maintain dialogue.
The Administrator also said that the youth who have come out of the clutches of drug addiction should be accepted by society and efforts should be made to bring them back to the mainstream with respect. 'It is our responsibility to maintain their self-esteem so that they can move forward in life again.'
Kataria also administered the oath of de-addiction to all the attendees and said that this fight against drug addiction is not just of the administration but of the entire society, for unless families, schools, institutions and citizens make united efforts, it will not be possible to eradicate this threat from its roots.
On this occasion, a public awareness booklet titled 'Surakshit Bachpan, Ujjwal Bhavishya — Towards a Drug-Free Society' was also released. This booklet provides information on topics such as types of drugs, side effects, behavioural changes, effects of psychotropic substances, treatment methods and social participation, keeping children in mind. The booklet also includes various legal aspects, including the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Additional Professor of the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Dr Akhilesh Sharma, explained through a detailed presentation how children are indirectly exposed to drugs during infancy and adolescence.
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