Awareness about substance abuse and deaddiction.

To sensitize the health workers about various substance use like alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, various inhalants and also their addiction including mobile and internet addiction,

There was an open discussion on various substance use disorders present in the local area and the side effects they have on both the person involved in the addiction and the community. A teaching session was conducted covering various substances, their harmful effects on health and the community, and different measures to avoid them. Substances such as alcohol, including beer, whisky, tadi, and country liquor, were discussed. The clinical features of alcohol intoxication, cannabis intoxication, and opioid intoxication were explained to the health workers.

The identification of withdrawal effects from substances such as alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, various stimulants, and inhalants like petrol, diesel, and turpentine was also discussed. Alcohol withdrawal can cause tremors, anger, abusive behavior, cravings, and dependence. Cannabis use disorder involves smoking cannabis in joints or paper, “chasing the dragon,” or snorting. Withdrawal symptoms include cravings, hearing voices inaudible to others, and suspicion toward family members.

Tobacco use disorder includes habits such as chewing tobacco mixed with calcium carbonate, applying mishri, and smoking cigarettes or bidis. Some individuals consume MDMA tablets by crushing and either snorting or swallowing them to feel relaxed. Additionally, opioids are used in various forms, including snorting, oral consumption, or intravenous injection. Some patients also misuse cough syrup to achieve pleasurable effects.