Drug abuse is not a choice, but a debilitating disease. Regrettably, Pakistan has become a breeding ground for drug-related activities and crime. Attainability of Cannabis, Heroin, opiod-based painkillers, as well as solvents is widespread. The situation is further aggravated by the prevalence of extreme poverty and destitution.
Moreover, drug addiction is afflicting the youth of our society at a rapid pace. A recent Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) report revealed that 2 million Pakistani youth are victims of drug abuse. Young people are more prone to drug use, especially children who have suffered some form of trauma during their lifetime. These troubled young people are enticed by the euphoria drugs have to offer, but they are not aware of the harsh consequences of prolonged use.
Alleviate Addiction Suffering (AAS) Trust is reaching out to society through programs and workshops to eliminate and prevent drug addiction. The Trust is working together with David Taransaud, a certified psycho-therapeutic counselor and tutor for the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London, UK. He is also the author of “You Think I’m Evil: Practical Strategies for Working with Rebellious and Aggressive Adolescents.” He believes the first step to working with troubled youth is to form a safe and meaningful working alliance with them based on love, trust, respect and autonomy.
Taransaud also presents workshops and training sessions on how to connect, empathize, and form a genuine relationship with difficult youth. These sessions are conducted for AAS staff, as well as for counselors, parents and anyone interested.
In addition, AAS has teamed up with CPPD (Centre for Personal and Professional Development, UK) providing certificate, diploma and advanced diploma counseling programs. These programs are the need of the day in a country blighted by drug abuse, especially when there is a scarcity of professionals to deal with these issues.