Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Sameera Naji Khdim, Dean of the College of Science for Women, the Continuing Education Unit organized an awareness workshop entitled “Drug Trade: A Thriving Business at the Cost of Society”. This initiative is part of the college’s efforts to promote awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and ways to avoid it. The workshop was presented by Dr. Bsuad Maher Muhil and Dr. Asmaa Mahdi Saleh and was attended by a number of faculty members and staff.The primary objective of the workshop was to raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use and its detrimental effects on health. The session highlighted the main causes that drive individuals to addiction, and it addressed in detail the harmful health consequences of drug abuse, including its negative impact on brain functions and the nervous system. Moreover, the workshop discussed its role in the development of chronic illnesses such as heart and liver diseases, as well as the severe psychological and social consequences affecting both individuals and their families.The workshop also explored the underlying reasons why some individuals fall victim to addiction, pointing to a range of psychological and social factors, such as socioeconomic pressures and family-related problems, which often serve as key motivators for drug use.In this context, the importance of the family and society in preventing addiction was emphasized. The discussion focused on how to build a healthy environment that empowers individuals to cope with psychological and social challenges effectively.Further, the workshop addressed the economic and social impacts of drug abuse, highlighting its burden on the economy through rising healthcare and treatment costs. The social consequences were also discussed, including the breakdown of family relationships and the loss of individual productivity. Additionally, the role of educational institutions in combating drug abuse was underlined, with an emphasis on the importance of providing continuous awareness programs for students regarding the dangers of drug use and methods of prevention.In conclusion, several potential solutions and interventions were proposed to curb the spread of drug abuse in society. These included intensifying awareness programs in schools and universities, offering psychological and social support to individuals with mental health issues that may lead to addiction, and activating the role of media in promoting a culture of awareness about the dangers of drugs. The workshop also recommended strengthening collaboration between governmental and non-governmental institutions to provide effective prevention and treatment programs for addiction.
