The University of Duhok organizes a Workshop about Effects of Drugs Use
March 13, 2022, 1:16 p.m.

The Department of Sociology in the College of Humanities/UoD organized a workshop about the negative psychological, social and legal impacts on the young people of the use of drugs in the UoD Cultural and Social Center, 6th of March, 2022. 

Dr. Mohammed Saeed, the Head of the Department of Sociology indicated that the main aim behind organizing the workshop is to raise awareness about the serious danger of the use of drugs on the individuals and the society. He also added that this topic needs to be approached scientifically so that plausible methods for the elimination of drugs use can be found and developed.

Dr. Saeed further explained that drugs are a dangerous enemy that is threatening the individuals and the families in our society and this workshop aims, through the published data, to eliminate this danger that is spreading and growing every day represented by the spread of a digitalized type of drugs which is very menacing.

Kawar Rasoul, the Head of the Youth Center in Duhok in the PDK Youth Union explained that they have data collected indicate that the number of people using drugs is increasing; from 241 in 2018 to 916 in 2019, to 1113 in 2020 and to 881 in the first six months of 2021. These statistics show that Kurdistan Region is in a seriously critical situation in regard to the use of drugs.

Dr. Samiya Saeed discussed the use of drugs from a social perspective: “Drug use is a social disease and a form of escape from the reality. Whether it is an addiction to drugs or alcohol, it is a serious danger that needs to be addressed.” She further explained that those wishing to stop taking drugs need to live in a healthy environment.

Drug use was discussed from a psychological point of view by Ms. Pirsheng Omar who confirmed, referring to her experiences in the juvenile detention center, that “many teenagers and young people use drugs without knowing their downsides.” Similarly, Mr. Omed Mohammed, who approached the topic from a legal perspective, explained that “according to the law, anybody using drugs is considered guilty and should be persecuted.” 

The Department of Sociology in the College of Humanities has always endeavored to be close to the society and the people and establish better links with the various social institutions. It also encourages research and scientific activities that address issues of particular importance to the different fractures of the society.