Live Session on "SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN PAKISTAN AND ITS PREVENTIVE MEASURES AMONG YOUTH"

was organised by ISSUP Pakistan Chapter and Youth Forum Pakistan (For Drug Use Prevention) on ISSUP Pakistan's Facebook Page Today on Dated 28th November, 2020 from 6-7Pm Pakistan Time.

Guest Speaker was Ms. Sundas Sohail Khan (Clinical Psychologist/International Certified Addiction Professional and Youth Leader Youth Forum Pakistan's Team Karachi which is hosted By Mr. Waseem Hassan Awan Anchor Person and Advisor Youth Forum Pakistan.

Session covered the current condition of Substance Use disorder in Pakistan, its prevalence among youth and how it is increasing day by day. Most commonly used drugs in Pakistan and gender based statistics as per UNODC report were also shared.
Since session focused the youth therefore the emotional and psychological changes along with biological development in adolescent stage and how it affects the youngsters and their behavior was also discussed in session. Different causes that increase the risk of drug use such as Peer pressure, workload, life stressors and lack of family communication were also explained.
Session also included the Evidence Based Preventive measures. In this regard, the role of family and its support, healthy family communication, trust relationships and assertive communication was also unpacked. Stress Management techniques such as relaxation exercise, Mind Diversion techniques and also healthy coping strategies were also discussed. Since Mass media has strong impact in conveying positive health message, therefor the role of electronic and print media was also discussed to spread awareness for drug abuse and to make Pakistan Drug Free
Role of educational institutes in coordination with substance use professionals was also recommended which can keep the students safe from drug use.
In the end, health message was given to youth to stay drug free and always say NO TO DRUGS.