The University of Sciences and Art in Lebanon-USAL, in cooperation with the Islamic Health Authority, has launched a specialized training program titled “Preparing Leaders Against Drugs”, as part of its commitment to social responsibility and its efforts to empower students to become effective leaders in promoting preventive awareness and confronting the growing phenomenon of addiction in Lebanese society.
The opening day of the program witnessed notable participation by male and female students from various academic disciplines. During the sessions, instructors delivered an in-depth analytical presentation addressing the reality of drugs in Lebanon and their social and legal repercussions, in light of the escalating crisis over the past ten years.
The presentation revealed alarming indicators regarding the expansion of addiction, highlighting the main challenges that hinder accurate identification of the actual number of addicts. Foremost among these are social and cultural factors, such as religious and societal taboos and families’ fear of stigma, in addition to the key factors that have contributed to the worsening of the crisis.
The session also addressed developments in Lebanese laws related to drug use and trafficking, alongside a comparative overview of the experiences of other countries, including Germany and Iran, with the aim of benefiting from different legislative and preventive models.
The first day concluded by emphasizing the importance of educational and preventive dimensions in combating addiction. The mechanism of addiction was explained through interactive presentations and dramatized scenes that illustrated the methods used to lure victims, highlighting the necessity of strengthening awareness as a first line of defense in protecting individuals and society.
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