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Early Prevention of Substance Abuse

Early Prevention of Substance Abuse
Early Prevention of Substance Abuse

The Health Ministry has chalked out a plan to help prevent early addiction among children and young adults under the supervision of medical specialists, psychotherapists and the universities of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, said Alireza Norouzi, head of the ministry’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Office (SAPTO).

The pilot plan has commenced in four provinces that account for the majority of addicts: Zahedan, Birjand, Kerman and Tehran.

Workshops will be held to prevent addiction and necessary treatment will be given to those already affected, reports ISNA.

Addicts can be treated in outpatient clinics or hospitalized in cases requiring medical or non-medical treatment as defined by standard guidelines.

Street children under the supervision of the State Welfare Organization (SWO) will be transferred to SAPTO in case of drug addiction. After rehabilitation they will be sent back to the SWO.  

Norouzi said the quality of services needs to be boosted among organizations and institutions to promote the plan. Allocation of sufficient funds in line with the activities set in the program is also necessary.    

 

Financialtribune.com