Amritsar: Citing the growing number of young people seeking help to overcome addiction, officiating Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargaj has called for a structured drug recovery programme in Punjab, saying the state lacks effective support systems for those trying to quit drugs even as their availability remains a major concern.Addressing the 10th anniversary event of the UK-based Sikh Recovery Network at the UK Parliament, Gargaj invited the organisation to work with affected people in Punjab and explore ways to replicate its recovery initiatives in the state. He also called for the identification and social boycott of drug peddlers, describing them as enemies of society.He said the network’s work in helping people overcome substance addiction and reintegrate into society offered valuable lessons for Punjab, where drug abuse continues to devastate families and young lives.Gargaj said that while de-addiction centres existed in Punjab, they had not delivered satisfactory results. He criticised the reliance on substitute medication, saying it did not offer a lasting solution.Referring to the Miri-Piri Khalsa March, he said hundreds of young people struggling with addiction had expressed a desire to quit drugs but faced difficulties because the sale of narcotics had not been effectively curbed and the state lacked a concrete recovery programme.He stressed that people battling addiction needed compassion, support and encouragement rather than blame. Bad company often played a role in drawing young people into substance abuse, he said, adding that curbing the availability of drugs could prevent many from falling into addiction.Expressing concern over the impact of alcohol, chitta and the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, Gargaj said addiction inflicted immense suffering not only on users but also on their families.UK MPs Gurinder Singh Josan, Preet Kaur Gill, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Sonia Kumar attended the event, along with Sikh Recovery Network founder Jaswinder Singh Rai and other members. Gargajj also met Lord Kuldip Singh Sahota during his visit.
