UNODC is cosponsor of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS - UNAIDS
11th National Congress of CACSAN organized by CMAI
Christian Medical Association of India and its Substance Abuse Desk organized the 11th National Conference of Christian Agencies to Combat Substance Abuse Network (CACSAN) on 26 - 28 April, 2007 at Indian Institute of Training and Development, Thakurpukur, Kolkata.
One of the purposes of the conference was to facilitate a better understanding of the issues involving women and substance abuse, hence a panel discussion on women and substance abuse was held on 26 April 2007.
The objectives of the Panel Discussion were:
To facilitate a better understanding among CACSAN members on issues involving women and substance abuse.
To share ways on how to effectively address the problems faced by women who are involved in substance abuse.
The Panel Discussion included 3 presentations:
'Substance Abuse among Women in India, the presentation dealt with the pattern of substance abuse in women, characteristics of the users and gender issues. The presentation was made by Ms. Gopika Raina of UNODC.
Dr. (Sr.) Joan Chungkupura, Director of TRADA made a presentation on 'Burden on Women due to drug abuse in the Family'; she highlighted the effects and impact on the physical, mental and social well-being of women who have drug using family members.
Ms. Gopika Raina, UNODC also made a presentation on 'Interventions to help women drugs users and women whose family is using drugs'.
The panel discussion was attended by 36 participants, 12 women and 24 men. After the presentation, a discussion took place wherein participants offered various suggestions.
The participants' key recommendations were as follows:
To form a network of service providers working with women and substance abuse.
To provide inputs on how to start a program for female drug users.
