The following research report was kindly shared with WFAD by our member organisation, Youth Council for Anti-Narcotics (YOCFAN), through its project, the Drug Advisory Training Hub (DATH), highlighting community-based approaches to tackling drug addiction in Pakistan.

The research was conducted by Syndicate Group No. 5 under the supervision of Syndicate Advisor Syed Zulfiqar Hussain, together with Faculty Member Ms. Samia Mustansar and In-charge of Coordination Syndicate Activity Syed Babar Ali Shah. It was carried out by Probationary Officers of the 53rd Common Training Programme at the Civil Services Academy (CSA): Ms. Hanan Bukhari, Ms. Samra Saleem Azam, Ms. Fizza Mughal, and Ms. Nawal Sana.

Focusing on individuals recovering from substance use disorders, the report explores how community involvement, social engagement, and recovery self-efficacy can help prevent relapse through a community-based model framework.

The study shows that micro-level interventions provide effective strategies for tackling drug addiction in Pakistan. The report also highlights that strengthening local community structures and enhancing social support networks can contribute to more sustainable recovery outcomes.

It concludes that integrating community-based approaches into national drug control programmes and rehabilitation policies is essential for addressing the multidimensional and complex nature of addiction in Pakistan. Click the link below to read the full report.