Breaking the Stigma: Overcoming Shame and Guilt in the Face of Drug Addiction

Written by Raja Waseem Nazir

Drug addiction is a serious and growing problem in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among young people. The effects of drug addiction can be devastating, both for individuals and for society as a whole. However, preventing drug addiction requires a collaborative effort from all members of society, including parents, educators, government officials, community leaders, and religious figures.


Parents play a crucial role in preventing drug addiction among their children. They should create a nurturing and supportive home environment that encourages healthy communication and positive relationships. Parents should spend quality time with their children, listen to their concerns and problems, and provide guidance and support. They should also educate their children about the dangers of drug addiction and help them to build a strong sense of self-worth and self-esteem.


Research has consistently shown that spending quality time with children is incredibly important for their development and well-being. Children who receive positive attention and affection from their parents or caregivers tend to have better social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes. Spending time with children can also help build strong bonds and positive relationships between parents and children.


Building a strong bond with your children is an essential aspect of parenting. Parents who invest time and effort into building a friendship relationship with their children are more likely to raise happy, confident, and well-adjusted kids. A strong parent-child friendship is based on mutual trust, respect, and open communication. It allows children to feel loved, supported, and heard, while also helping parents understand and meet their children’s needs.


One of the best ways to build a friendship relationship with your children is by spending quality time with them. Whether it’s playing games, cooking together, or simply having a conversation, spending time with your children can help you build a positive and lasting bond. It also allows you to get to know your children better and understand their unique personalities, interests, and strengths.


Another important aspect of building a friendship relationship with your children is being present in their lives. This means taking an active interest in their activities, attending their games or performances, and being there for them when they need support or guidance. It also means being willing to listen to your children’s concerns and problems, and providing them with emotional support and comfort when they need it.


Being supportive and understanding is also essential when building a friendship relationship with your children. Children need to feel that they can come to their parents with any problem or issue, without fear of being judged or dismissed. By being supportive, parents can help their children build confidence and self-esteem, which can help them navigate life’s challenges more effectively.


Open communication is also a critical component of building a strong parent-child friendship. Parents should encourage their children to express their thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, without fear of reprisal or judgment. This can help children learn to communicate effectively and build trust with their parents, which can strengthen the parent-child bond.


Ultimately, building a friendship relationship with your children requires patience, commitment, and dedication. It is a lifelong process that involves ongoing communication, support, and understanding. However, the rewards of a strong parent-child friendship are significant, as it can lead to happier, healthier, and more fulfilling relationships between parents and their children.


Of course, providing for a child’s basic needs is also crucial, and financial stability can help ensure that a child has access to necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare. However, the importance of spending quality time with children cannot be overstated. It is through this time that children can learn important life skills, feel valued and loved, and develop positive self-esteem and confidence.
Educators, including teachers, school administrators, and counselors, also have a critical role to play in preventing drug addiction. They promote a safe and healthy school environment that encourages positive relationships, self-expression, and creativity.

Educators also provide students with accurate information about drug addiction, including its effects on the body, mind, and spirit. They work closely with parents, law enforcement officials, and other community leaders to prevent drug use among students and help those who are struggling with addiction.

While having a good relationship with a teacher can be beneficial for a student’s overall well-being and academic performance, it is important to note that it is not a standalone solution for overcoming drug addiction.


That being said, a supportive and positive relationship with a teacher can be one of the many factors that contribute to a student’s overall success in overcoming drug addiction.

Teachers can provide emotional support, guidance, and resources to students who are struggling with addiction. They can also help create a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters healthy habits and positive behaviors.


while a good teacher-student relationship can be helpful in the recovery process, it should be viewed as one aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan for drug addiction.


The education department in Jammu and Kashmir has taken the initiative to raise awareness about drug addiction and prevent its spread through various programs and initiatives. Their efforts in organizing awareness programs, meetings, and using slogans to promote awareness about drug addiction are truly commendable. Through these initiatives, the education department is not only educating people about the dangers of drug addiction but also providing them with the necessary information and skills to make informed decisions and avoid risky behaviors.

The education department’s efforts are crucial in creating a society that is aware of the negative consequences of drug addiction and is committed to preventing its spread.


Community leaders, including religious figures, youth group leaders, and NGO representatives, also have an important role to play in preventing drug addiction. They should organize community events and programs that promote healthy behaviors and positive relationships. Community leaders should also educate young people about the dangers of drug addiction and provide them with support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
Preventing drug addiction is the responsibility of everyone in society. Parents, educators, government officials, community leaders, and religious figures all have a crucial role to play in preventing drug use and helping those who are struggling with addiction. By working together, we can create a healthier and safer community for our youth and ensure that they have the support and guidance they need to grow up to be responsible and productive members of society.
In conclusion, drug addiction is a major problem in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among young people. However, with the collaborative effort of all members of society, including parents, educators, government officials, community leaders, and religious figures, we can prevent drug addiction and help those who are struggling with addiction. It is through a concerted effort to promote healthy behaviors, positive relationships, and community engagement that we can create a society.

(The author is a teacher at Zone Srigufwara Anantnag)

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.

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