As part of the series of scientific activities organized by our center, and with the support and guidance of the administration, Assistant Professor Dr. Hana Hani Al-Saffar, in conjunction with the workshop and seminar committee at the center and the women’s affairs division, hosted a workshop on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, titled “The Role of University Professors in Educating Students to Combat Drugs.”
The lecture was moderated by Assistant Lecturer Ali Kamel Wannas and delivered by Assistant Lecturer Fatima Hussein Brij and Assistant Lecturer Sarah Jamal. This event coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, as well as the launch of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
The presenters discussed the types of narcotic substances and their effects on humans, categorizing them into plant-based, manufactured, or chemical compounds. They explained that some substances, like opium, cocaine, and morphine, have both psychological and physical effects, while others, such as hallucinogenic drugs, primarily have psychological effects.
The goal of the lecture was to raise awareness among students and curb the spread of these substances within the university environment by developing effective strategies, including:
– **Reducing the demand for drugs** by diminishing the desire to obtain and use them through preventive and awareness programs.
– **Reducing the supply of drugs** by tightening monitoring efforts and limiting their availability on campus.
– **Studying the reasons behind substance use** through community service functions and creating awareness groups comprised of specialists to identify the dangers of drug abuse and its prevention.
Key recommendations related to this topic include activating the role of women’s affairs in collaboration with educational guidance in universities and decision-makers. This involves preparing preventive guidance programs by training faculty members to integrate these programs into academic lectures, research, discussions, seminars, and publications. Additionally, organizing scientific field visits to specialized medical centers that treat drug addiction will help inform students, modify their perceptions, and change their attitudes toward drug and psychotropic substance abuse.
We hope to support students in building a new, informed generation that fosters a drug-free environment. We wish all our center’s educators success in their efforts to serve society, science, and knowledge.