Conclusion of Training Course: “The addict is a sick person and has rights” - News

On
7 June 2011, the Deanship of Student Affairs - Counseling Section at BZU in
collaboration with Al-Sadiq Al Tayeb Society for the Rehabilitation
of Drug Addicts honoredhonoredWorld Day to Combat Drugs with a one-week training course
entitled "The addict is a sick person and has rights,” in which BZU
students participated.

Director Majed Alloush of Al-Sadiq Al
Tayeb Society for the Rehabilitation of Drug Addicts explained that targeting universities and schools enables
them to deliver a message through the community of students, who thus serve as an
instrument for educating members of society more generally.

BZU Social Counselor Mona Muhtaseb explained that the
most important factor leading young people to addiction is an escape from
realities on the ground, such as psychological pressures, social problems and
the political conditions. She added: "The objective of this training is to
promote positive attitudes towards addicts in the community, and to clarify
some of the concepts related to drug addiction. Further, we hope to acquaint
students with the institutions which treat addicts, thereby making them aware
of how they can contribute to raising awareness in the community as to the
harmful effects and the influence of drugs."

According to the Palestinian General Administration for
Combating Drugs, there are 50-60,000 drug users, the equivalent of 18
thousand addicts, throughout the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, amounting
to approximately 6,000 addicts in each area.

The Dean of Student Affairs, Mohammad Al-Ahmad, explained
that BZU students are a key priority at the University, and as such the University
always seeks to help them academically, socially and psychologically.