Srinagar, Jan 3: Leaving the pulpits of their Masjids for the meeting hall of the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) at Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, Imams from across Kashmir gathered on Saturday to take on another religious responsibility of saving the youth from the grip of drugs.
The resolve of the gathering was to reduce demand for drugs, while strengthening channels where those who are already in the deadly trap could be helped free from it.
A day-long brainstorming session was organised at the IMHANS, GMC Srinagar.
It aimed to equip religious leaders with the skills and information to speak about substance abuse and reach young people vulnerable to addiction.
The initiative was organised to empower the religious leaders with medical knowledge and Islamic insights to create an environment for the prevention of substance abuse. The event included sessions on early detection and referral of individuals struggling with addiction, ultimately towards the goal of reducing drug demand among youth.
The event saw the participation of religious scholars, medical experts, and officials from the administration, joining hands to create a bridge between spiritual guidance and professional treatment.
The pivotal role of Imams as trusted figures in local communities was highlighted and explored.
An interactive session on ‘Imams as First Responders’ moderated by Dr Fazle Roub, Assistant Professor Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, opened pathways to youth.
The discussion covered how community members often turn to Imams first for help.
The participants spoke about their understanding and scientific view on dos and don’ts while providing assistance. It weighed various approaches to encourage youth to seek help at de-addiction centres while maintaining confidentiality and reducing stigma.
The participants discussed the Quranic guidance and Islamic perspective on addiction.
Masjids and Friday sermons, the participants agreed, could help in breaking through the shells that people with addiction disorders often retreat into.
“Religious scholars are key to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging early help-seeking,” said Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
He reiterated the administration’s endeavour to a multi-sectoral strategy involving health services, civil society, and religious institutions.
Guest of honour, Akshay Labroo, echoed these sentiments and stressed the need for coordinated action.
He said that Imams with the tools to address addiction compassionately could strengthen community-based responses and protect youth from this growing menace.
Principal GMC Srinagar Prof Iffat Hassan Shah underscored the importance of Imams in prevention efforts, early intervention, and reducing societal stigma around addiction. Head of the Department of Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, Prof Arshad Hussain, delved deep into the escalating burden of substance use disorders while emphasising early intervention and broad community involvement.
Dr Sajjid Wani, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, GMC Srinagar, talked about ‘medical understanding of addiction’ and explained addiction as a disease rather than a moral failing. He detailed common substances abused in Kashmir, warning signs for families and brain changes that undermine willpower.