“SAAHAS”

The strict enforcement of law, cooperation among all law enforcement agencies against drug production and trafficking cannot be overstated. These traditional approaches to the drug problem will remain essential, but they cannot by themselves fully address a challenge that is inherently tied to the public health of the people.

Over the years it was realized that the drug abuse is not only a problem arising out of the availability of drugs but it has a great deal to do with social conditions which create the demand for or the need for consumption of such substances. The vulnerability of the modern society plays a catalytic role in promoting the consumption and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

The processes of industrialization and migration have led to loosening of the traditional methods of social control rendering an individual vulnerable to the stresses and strains of modern life. The fast changing social milieu, among other factors, is mainly contribution to the proliferation of drug abuse, both of traditional and of new psychotropic substances.

The findings of studies/reports indicate to the relationship of drug abuse with the socio-economic conditions or the social dynamics of the population. Therefore, the approach is to recognize drug abuse as a psycho- socio medical problem, which can be best handled through community based intervention.

With this the need arose for implementing strategies for prevention of drug abuse, educating the people about its ill effects and rehabilitation of the addicts. The recent UN documents have also stated Demand Reduction as the pillar of drug control strategies and have urged upon all the Members States to take immediate steps.

Drug prevention must become a bigger priority for communities, with support from all levels of government. Research indicates that preventing drug use in the first place is the most cost-effective strategy in drug  control policy Factors that protect children against initiating drug use are increased by adopting  a community-based response that incorporates multiple sectors in a local area- police, teachers, parents, community organizations, employers, and others working collaboratively. It is time for the public health and the healthcare system to be encouraged and supported in assuming a more central, integrated role in reducing drug use and its consequences through prevention.

In view of the above mention subject a “SAAHAS” mission has been started to aware youth / teenagers about the ill effects of intoxication. In this mission through powerpoint presentation and personal contact students are made aware about drug abuse. This entire programme is formulated, conceived, developed and executed by Mr. Varun Kapoor (IPS) Additional Director General of Police.