The Azeezia College of Dental Science and Research conducted an awareness programme under the PROJECT AASTHA in association with Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan (under the Ministry of social Justice And Empowerment) on 27th May 2024. The aim of the programme was to spread awareness on the issues of substance abuse. Dr.AarathiVijayan (HOD, Department of Public Health Dentistry) addressed the gathering and delivered thewelcome speech.Mr Rinish , the programme coordinator,Quilon Social Service Society (QSSS) gave a brief introduction about the speaker. The awareness class was given by Mr.Binu George, Motivational Trainer, Resource Hub,Punalur. He emphasized about screen and drug addiction andthe ways to safeguard our lives from them.
He discussed about various forms of addiction, chemical addiction,smell addiction etc., and various routes of substance abuse and it’s harmful effects. The major addiction that people face now a days is the screen addiction, because of the use of smart phones from a very young age.It can result in abuse in many ways resulting in social setbacks and causing loss of self respect and dignity and even questioning our privacy.
He also highlighted about various concentrations of alcohol in various drinks like beer having the lowest and Vodka being the highest. Another route is sublingual; various substances like Gutka, panmasala and drugs like cool, Buprenorphine,etc.,are used sublingually consuming various and issues like leukoplakia and oral cancer.He also discussed about inhalational route which is about smoking and inhaling substance.Along with alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes,beedi,cigars containing Nicotine and Tar; and smoking along with cannabis and tobaccocan all cause heart diseases, lung cancer,etc. The other route he mentioned was administration producing fastest form of actions is intra venous route. Cocaine heroine methamphetamine, ketamine are the most commonly abused intravenous drugs, whose action reaches the brain quicker than any form. Other routes included intradermal, intramuscular, skin and oral patches, etc.,
The whole event filled with fun along with serious matters guiding us to the proper knowledge required about substance abuse and various addictions. He concluded by advising everyone should pass the information’s about addictions and its harmful effects to furthermore people in order to reduce its consumption and make our country a drug free zone. Drug abuse has become rampant worldwide hence requiring quick action. It has led to addiction and serious health, economic, and psychological problems across the world. The program concluded with Vote of Thanks by Dr.Roslin(Intern) to Mr. Binu, motivational trainer; Mr. Rinish, Programme coordinator; Dr. Aarathi, HOD of Department of Public Health Dentistry and all the faculties and students attending the programme.
