DRUG PREVENTION

WORKPLACE PREVENTION

Drugs today have proliferated amongst various social, cultural and economic strata, however certain groups of society are more vulnerable to this peril than others. Workplaces fall in this "vulnerable" category wherein workers have been identified as high-risk groups.

Workplace prevention forms an integral aspect in our war against substance abuse and fight for a drugfree society. NAVJYOTI in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and International Labor Organization, Norway has taken up a project on "Mobilizing Small Business to Prevent Substance Abuse" which has been successfully implemented in 12 industries at NOIDA, an industrial township on the outskirts of New Delhi.

The primary objectives of the project are to develop necessary administrative, technical and resource capabilities in the participating centres.  The project supports small business communities to develop the substance programme with a view to integrate drug prevention strategies and programmes into the management practice of participating enterprises.  The overall objective of the project is facilitating  the adoption of prevention programmes in small and medium business establishments. A focal unit has been established in Minda HUF Ltd., one of the participating industry with the support from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

A study by International Labor Organization reveals that at the workplace :

Absenteeism is 2 to 3% higher for substance abusers than other employees || 20-25% of accidents at workplace involves intoxicated workers injuring self and colleagues || Employees with drug dependence claim 3 times more sick benefits and 5 times more worker compensation claims ||

COMMUNITY BASED DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION

The drug awareness and counseling centre of NAVJYOTI at Yamuna Pushta, one of the largest slums of Delhi, has regular awareness programmes for drug and alcohol prevention. Qualified and trained social workers and homeopaths attend to a number of dependents everyday. Those who need further treatment or indoor treatment, are referred to NAVJYOTI De-addiction clinic at the foundation's headquarters at Sarai Rohilla Police Station, New Delhi.

NAVJYOTI volunteers regularly visit other residential localities in and around New Delhi to spread awareness and for reaching out to addicts. During these visits, NAVJYOTI helps in dispelling popular myths and false notions about drug and alcohol addiction. Besides, the fact that addiction is a treatable disease and messages on hazards of addiction etc. are disseminated.

SCHOOL BASED AWARENESS PROGRAMME

Several awareness programmes are being conducted regularly in some schools of Delhi and NOIDA, an industrial and residential township to sensitize children against the ill-effects of drug and alcohol abuse. The students are invited to visit the foundation's De-addiction Centre, where the recovering addicts share their feelings with them.