Special Lecture on "Understanding and Prevention of Drug Addiction" to Be Held at 3:00 p.m. on June 12 in the Main Auditorium of the District Office
Proactive Education to Raise Awareness and Share Information About Drugs... Practical Response System Also in Place
Nowon-gu in Seoul (Mayor Oh Seungrok) announced that it will hold a special lecture titled "Understanding and Prevention of Drug Addiction" in response to the recent rise in drug abuse among adolescents.
According to the "2023 White Paper on Drug-Related Crimes" published by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, a total of 27,611 individuals were apprehended for drug-related offenses in 2023. This represents an increase of about 50% compared to 2021, when the figure stood at 16,153. Notably, the number of adolescent offenders aged 19 or younger rose from 239 in 2019 to 1,477 in 2023, marking a nearly sixfold increase and underscoring the severity of the issue. The development of online environments such as the internet and social media has made it easier for adolescents to be exposed to drug crimes.
In response, the district has organized this lecture to alleviate the concerns of parents and the local community regarding the spread of drug use among adolescents, to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs, and to share effective prevention and response strategies.
Under the theme "Understanding and Prevention of Drug Addiction," Dr. Cho Seongnam, a psychiatrist and director of the Drug Management Center at Eunpyeong Hospital in Seoul, will deliver the lecture. Drawing on his extensive experience, Dr. Cho will provide valuable insights into the current state and real-life cases of drug addiction, as well as methods for treatment and prevention.
The lecture will take place at 3:00 p.m. on June 12 in the main auditorium on the second floor of Nowon-gu Office. No advance registration is required, and parents, teachers, and any interested local residents are welcome to attend the session.
In addition to preventive education, the district also operates a practical response system for adolescent drug offenders. Currently, if a youth drug offender, with parental consent, is referred for counseling to the Nowon-gu Addiction Management Center through the police, the district provides not only counseling but also support for treatment at hospitals specializing in drug addiction.
Mayor Oh Seungrok of Nowon-gu stated, "It is important to recognize the dangers of drugs and develop sound judgment through accurate information," adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to create a safe environment for adolescents, free from drugs and hazardous substances."
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