New Screening Tool for Drug Abuse Introduced in Sri Lanka

Volunteers from the Church of Scientology Mission of Valencia in Spain have initiated an educational campaign focusing on drug abuse awareness. The launch aimed to address the prevalent drug issues within the region and promote a drug-free lifestyle. This campaign holds crucial significance in Valencia, a major entry point for narcotics into Europe.

In 2022, a significant drug bust was reported in Valencia, underscoring its role in international drug trafficking networks and the abundance of drugs like cocaine on the streets. The easy accessibility of these drugs poses a pressing issue, leading to increased usage and cultivation of new users.

The Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime highlighted the harmful effects of drug production, trafficking, and abuse, emphasizing the need for more investments in drug abuse prevention. Prevention strategies backed by scientific evidence are key to ensuring the well-being of youth and marginalized populations.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World, established in 2006, aims to distribute educational materials globally and tackle evolving drug trends. Inspired by the research of humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, the Foundation provides free drug education materials and programs.

A recent study in Sri Lanka focused on culturally adapting and validating a drug abuse screening tool, known as the DAST. The Sinhala version of the DAST was introduced following a rigorous translation and validation process, showing high reliability and validity in screening for drug use problems in Sri Lanka.