Baramulla, Apr 19: Reinforcing its commitment to tackling substance abuse, the Drug De-addiction Centre in Baramulla has counselled over 10,000 individuals, offering free treatment and rehabilitation services while actively encouraging youth to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

Seema Mehraj, counsellor at the centre, said the rising awareness around addiction and mental health has led more people to seek professional help. She noted that the centre has become a vital support system for individuals battling substance dependence, providing counselling, medical assistance, and continuous follow-up care.
“The response has been encouraging. Thousands have approached us over the years, and many have successfully recovered and reintegrated into society,” Mehraj said. She stressed that addiction is not just a personal issue but a social concern that requires collective effort from families, institutions, and the community.
The centre provides free-of-cost services, making treatment accessible to people from all economic backgrounds. It offers a structured rehabilitation programme that includes psychological counselling, detoxification support, behavioural therapy, and awareness sessions aimed at preventing relapse.
Mehraj highlighted that young people remain particularly vulnerable due to peer pressure, stress, and lack of awareness. She urged parents and educators to remain vigilant and maintain open communication with children to identify early warning signs.
“Prevention is always better than cure. We appeal to the youth to stay away from drugs and alcohol and focus on building a healthy and purposeful life,” she said.
The centre also conducts regular outreach programmes, awareness campaigns, and community interactions to spread information about the harmful effects of substance abuse and the importance of seeking timely help.
Officials said such initiatives are crucial in addressing the growing challenge of drug addiction in the region and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding support services and strengthening awareness efforts to safeguard the future of young generations.