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The Evolution of Social Work Leadership in Drug & Alcohol Demand Reduction and Prevention

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By Nada India

In the dynamic landscape of drug demand reduction and prevention, the emergence of practicing social workers as leaders has transitioned from a rarity to the new norm. This paradigm shift is not only reshaping policies but also contributing significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Late Dr. Hira Singh, a practicing social worker, exemplified this shift by leading the National Institute of Social Defence, a premier institution under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Ministry itself has been a pioneer in bringing social work practitioners to the forefront, culminating in the current leadership of NISD being a practicing social worker.

Navjyoti ,Delhi Police Foundation for Correction, De- addiction & Rehabilitation   under the leadership of Mr. Suneel Vatsyayan, showcased the potential of practicing social workers in the field of drug rehabilitation. His pioneering efforts introduced the Acudetox movement nationwide, bringing together professionals from various disciplines. Vatsyayan's establishment of Nada India Foundation in 2001 marked a paradigm shift towards peer-based, barrier-free drug treatment and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Shanthi Ranganathan, founder of T.T. Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation, demonstrated the impact of early practicing social work in South India. Recognized with a NAPSWI Lifetime Achievement award, she introduced innovative camp approaches to drug and alcohol treatment programs for families.

In institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences, practicing social workers like Mr. Braham Prakash and Mr. Deepak Yadav pioneered work in Brief Intervention (BI), a client-centered therapy integral to community engagement in drug dependence treatment.

Leadership in drug rehabilitation is now extending beyond conventional boundaries. In 2008, Vipin Sharma, (A recovering addict),  of Ankush Foundation(Funded by Ministry of Social Justice) in Hisar, Haryana, transitioned from a peer leader to a practicing social worker, taking charge of the Haryana Regional Resource and Training Centre (RRTC) under the Ministry of Social Justice.
The integration of drug and alcohol issues under the social welfare department in Delhi reflects a strategic move to address these complex challenges comprehensively. Moreover, the Delhi Government's decision aligns with the commitment to SDG 3.5, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.

As social work practitioners continue to excel in responding to social conditions and gaps, their skills, acquired through active field experiences, position them uniquely as leaders. This evolution showcases the versatility of the profession and the individual's ability to navigate challenges, demonstrating that social work values and human touch are crucial in leading the charge towards a healthier, drug-free society.
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