HANOI (UCAN): Caritas in Hanoi, Vietnam, together with the local Institute of Studies and Applications of Drug Prevention, conducted a seminar on drug prevention for 200 teenagers from Thach Bich parish in Thanh Oai district.
On July 31, Father John Baptist Nguyen Van Quang, head of Caritas in Hanoi, said the event aimed at helping youngsters gain practical knowledge of the harmful effects of illegal drugs and learn how to protect themselves and others from drug abuse.
During the first-ever such seminar for local children, teenagers were taught skills in recognising various types of drugs including cannabis chocolates, weed, crystal meth and even highly addictive soft drinks, and their disastrous effects.
Experts from the institute also taught them ways of identifying and coping with drug-related situations, how to detect the symptoms of drug abuse, and how to deal with them.
They also warned the participants against other extremely addictive habits such as smoking shisha, breathing nitrous oxide [laughing gas] and electronic cigarettes. The skills were taught through skills through games and group discussions, and were offered materials on drug prevention compiled by the institute.
As of December 2021, Vietnam recorded 238,171 drug addicts, an increase of 3,159 compared to the previous year
The Public Security Ministry reported that drug addicts are getting younger and younger, with 60 per cent of all first time users of illegal drugs between the ages of 15- and 25-year-old—many are students.
It said it has become increasingly common for addicts to use multiple drugs at the same time, and that 70 to 80 per cent of addicts are using synthetic drugs, many of whom are linked to violent crimes, causing insecurity and frustration among the public.
As of December 2021, Vietnam recorded 238,171 drug addicts, an increase of 3,159 compared to the previous year.
Father Nguyen said that Caritas in Hanoi has plans to hold a contest on drug prevention in the future.
Father Peter Pham Van Hung, the assistant priest of Thach Bich parish, asked Caritas workers to hold other seminars on drug prevention for parents, catechists and young people.
In June, Caritas in Hanoi and the institute also hosted a two-day workshop on illegal drug use for some 40 people including nuns from local parishes.
Participants were taught the principles of approaching and working with drug addicts. They also learned professional skills in counselling drug abusers such as accompanying, listening and understanding victims.
