File Figure SSKM Hospital Kolkata | Photo Credit: Hind
The Department of Psychiatric Social Work of one of the best medical institutions of Kolkata, SSK Hospital, which leads a campaign in West Bengal against drug abuse, has now shifted its focus on schools and universities in the state with the support of the Nemkotic Audit Office, the central body.
“From our experience by listening to young people at clinics and reading studies, we have clearly understood that there is a real need for greater support for students in schools and universities in terms of their mental and emotional health. There are growing concerns about drug use and addictive substances, especially within educational institutions.”
According to Mr. Kumar, the study indicated that the overall prevalence of addictive substances among students in West Bengal was more than 50% for “sometimes abused” – those who tried drugs at least once – and that the most common age of the onset was 14 years (30.37%). Most (56.86%) stimulated their peers.
The first phase of the SSKM Hospital campaign, which focuses mainly on prisons and sensitization of police/government officials, began on April 17th. The second phase focusing on the sensitization of teachers, directors, students and parents began on June 5 in Newtown School in Calcutta and will continue on June 12 in MandarMoni. The Mandarmoni event will be mainly a sensitization seminar, which is attended by director Kendriya Vidyalayas from West Bengal and Sikkim. The Bureau of Narcotics (Kolkata Zone) also observes 12.-26. July as a fortnight against drug abuse and unauthorized trading in psychiatric social work Department of the SSK Hospital.
“Based on field observations, we are witnessing more and more students and adolescents fighting quietly, often without knowing how to ask for help. Many of them are under huge pressure from academics, constant competition to achieve the highest grades and deep fear of lack,” Kumar said.
“This pressure is often unintentionally reinforced by well -intentioned parents who want the best for their children’s future.
“When empathy is missing at home, they often turn elsewhere for comfort. There are peer groups. If they fall into the wrong group, they can start experimenting with substances such as cigarettes, alcohol or drugs – not out of curiosity, but to feel accepted to escape their emotions or feel under control in an otherwise enthusiastic world.
Published – June 11, 2025 21:10 IS IS
