Child Psychiatrist Discusses Drug Abuse Challenges and Solutions

On June 25, 2026, the first Alo Trust organized its 178th online consultation session, coinciding with the upcoming International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26. Professor Dr. Helal Ahmed, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, participated in the session held at the first Alo office in Karwan Bazar. The session's theme, 'Global Drug Problem: Ongoing Crisis, New Challenges, and Innovative Results,' was deemed highly relevant and timely by Dr. Ahmed. He emphasized the urgent need for 'early response' in treating drug addiction, stating that prompt intervention yields better outcomes. Dr. Ahmed also highlighted the necessity for swift and strict state action against drug production, trafficking, and smuggling, as criminals are increasingly leveraging technology. He noted that outdated approaches are ineffective against modern drug trade methods, which have evolved in routes, types, and consumption patterns, leading to complex health issues for young people. Dr. Ahmed stressed that while law enforcement, educators, doctors, and the community all play roles, families are paramount in guiding adolescents. He advocated for focusing on a child's holistic development, including social skills, rather than solely academic achievements like GPA-5, to reduce the likelihood of drug abuse. Addressing the digital age, Dr. Ahmed clarified that technology itself is not the problem but rather its misuse. He likened technology to electricity, which requires careful regulation. Parents must guide their children in using digital media positively, preventing excessive use that can lead to sleep disturbances, aggressive behavior, and distorted tastes. For parents, Dr. Ahmed offered four key pieces of advice: avoid pressuring children for high exam results, embrace technology as a tool for learning, help children make decisions independently, and avoid making them overly dependent by explaining the reasons behind prohibitions rather than simply issuing commands. He also called for a paradigm shift in societal perception, viewing drug users as patients rather than criminals, and advocated for community-based treatment models that allow individuals to receive care within their families and social environments while maintaining their daily lives.