Addiction is a complex struggle that affects the mind, body, and relationships. It is not a moral failing, but a challenge that can be overcome with understanding, support, and the right guidance. Recovery begins the moment you reach out for help, and every small step toward change is a victory. Remember, seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
Mudassar Abbas, Clinical Psychologist & Drug Addiction Counselor

• Tt Test 
  Thinking and Tendencies Test developed by Psychologist Rafi khawar is an assessment tool . It has four Domains . It measures thinking patterns,Tendencies and few personal Traits .
  This test indicates  present patterns and after assessment recommends improvements if needed..
  Its scoring is based on Rating scale of Each item. only trained professional Expert in CBT is eligible for its administration . 
  We can apply this test in mach making, Relationships, in educational institutes, organisations for staff trainings and  Addiction Rehabilitation Centers too.

• *Watch Inventory for Stimulant Addiction ( *WISA* )* 
  (Urdu version) 
  BY Psychologist 
  Rafi Khawar.Pakistan
  rafikhawar960 [at] gmail [dot] com
  November 19_2025
  مندرجہ ذیل سوالوں کے جوابات دیں۔ گھر کا ایک فرد کلائینٹ کے ساتھ بیٹھتا ہے اور وہ بھی اپنے مشاھدہ کے مطابق کلائینٹ کے بارے میں جواب دیتا ہے۔سکورنگ کے لئے اور شدت کو جانچنے کے لئے مینوئل دیکھیں۔
  وقت۔۔10 منٹ۔
  مندرجہ ذیل سوالوں کے جوابات( ہاں) یا (ناں )میں دیں۔
  1آئس کی شدید طلب کا ہونا۔
  2آئس کے استعمال میں بے بسی۔
  3اپنی صفائی کا خیال نہ رکھنا۔
  4گھر میں ذیادہ وقت تنہائی میں گزارنا۔
  5 آئس کے لئےگھر سے چیزیں اٹھا کر بیچنا
  6ائس خریدنے کے...

The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), Preventive Education and Training Division, as the ISSUP-accredited education provider and credential holder in Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC), Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC), and Universal Recovery Curriculum (URC), is proud to announce a Physical Echo Training Programme.

This programme will be conducted under the UTC 8 and UTC 1 curricula beginning on 24th November 2025 at the NDDCB Auditorium, Sri Lanka.

Key Facilitators

• Pradeep Kumara Koholanegedara – Deputy Director, Preventive Education and Training Division

• Pri...

• CLOUD Planning
   *C* 
  Craving management strategies. 
   *L*
  Logical planning. 
  (Realistic goals)
   *O*
  Orderly 
  From short term Goals to long term Goals. 
   *U* 
  Useful 
  Planning should be beneficial for Recovery .
   *D* 
  Daily Rules.
  5 daily rules which can protect Recovery .
  1.....
  2.....
  3....
  4....
  5....

• *CHANGE* . 
  Commitment
  Honesty
  Ability
  Natural
  Guidance 
  Effort

• *Stopping or Change* 
  By Rafi khawar
  (Pakistan).
  Lets talk about modern trends in Addiction Treatment vs Old fashioned methods of treatment to Fix the Drug taker.
  We as a society ,family focus on institutionalized Memories which means drug taking must be stopped and  its good for the Family,Society and for the person  himself .With this institutional mind ,we focus on just to STOP the Behaviour .
   *Stopping is Relapsing*  
  At the other hand, Modern approach like Motivational Interviewing focuses on CHANGE.
   Behavioural change brings positive results because its matter of choice  with...

• *Family Toxic Care (FTC)* 
  by Rafi Khawar highlights the unintended harm that families of addicts can cause due to lack of professional guidance. Here's a breakdown:
   *Toxic Care**: 
  Care that produces negative emotions like anger, disappointment, pity, and insecurity, ultimately limiting the addict's recovery options- *Examples of Toxic Care*

• 
   *1 Nagging*

• Constantly reminding the addict of their addiction, creating guilt and shame.

• 
   *2 Enabling*

• Doing things for the addict that they should do themselves, perpetuating dependence.

• *3 Criticizing*:

• Focusi...

• *Mom Dad Suitcase Approach* 
  Psychologist Rafi khawar (Pakistan)
  rafi khawar960 @gmail.com
  In Addiction , Family of an addict , due to unwanted environment at home , learns and adopt Anti Recovery Communication Patterns (ARCP).anger , disappointments,detachments plays their role to snatch all the soft tones and smiles .They bring their suitcase with them full of these family patterns and handed over to the professional or Self labeled professionals
  Untrained and inexperienced Health Care Professionals use this Suitcase ( the traditional family methods to convince or force client to quit...

• *The Thought Recognition Technique (TRT)* by Psychologist Rafi Khawar emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing thoughts to promote psychological well-being. The technique highlights the gap between thinking and acting, referred to as "Thinstion," which can be leveraged to make better decisions and improve mental health.

  Key Components:
  1. *Awareness of Thoughts*: Recognizing the role of thoughts in shaping behavior and emotions.
  2. *Thinstion*: The gap between thinking and acting, which can be utilized to make more informed decisions.
  3. *Increasing the Gap*: By enhancing...

*WRIST*

Wise Rules In Substance Treatment.

By Psychologist Rafi Khawar (Pakistan)

1 Working allience

2 Recovery oriented

3 Integrated approaches

4 Signified environment

5 Transparent documentation.

The Trigger Zip Closing Technique by Rafi Khawar is a helpful tool for managing environmental triggers during recovery. Here's how it works: - Imagine having a "Recovery" bag with you whenever you go out. - When faced with triggers like old friends, bars, or other challenging situations, visualize closing the zip on your imaginary "Recovery" bag. - This simple act can help reduce the intensity of the trigger, making your recovery journey safer. By using this technique, you can better cope with unexpected triggers and stay on track with your recovery goals. Give it a try whenever you need it!

We’d love to hear from you! What do ISSUP National Chapters mean to you? Share your reflections in the comments, and your thoughts may be featured on the National Chapters webpage.

⚠️ Executive Summary 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), the most potent alkaloid in kratom, binds to the same opioid receptors as heroin and prescription opioids. According to the FDA, CDC, and SAMHSA, 7-OH carries a high risk of dependence, withdrawal, and relapse for people with OUD. Reported dangers include seizures, liver toxicity, and overdose — often when mixed with other substances. Kratom may be legal in parts of the U.S., but enhanced or synthetic 7-OH products are now a clear public health threat. Families and professionals should treat 7-OH kratom as an opioid risk factor, not a safe alternative. 👉 Recovery support is available at Intervention NY, Every1 Center, and Hudson Valley Addiction Treatment Center.

By: Julius Konton

The Ministry of Health (MOH), serving as chair of the Government’s Anti-Drug Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee, has been accused of violating Liberia’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Law after reportedly failing to respond to a formal request for documents filed by the Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD).

According to GASD Executive Director James Koryor, the request was filed on August 11, 2025, and officially received by the MOH on August 13, 2025.

The organization, which works on substance abuse prevention and drug policy reforms, had sought access to the...

As the SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) School-Based Intervention Program Manager and Lead Trainer at Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD, we remain committed to leveraging our expertise and experience in drug demand reduction across Liberia. This initiative is yet another testament to our organization's unwavering dedication to combating drug abuse in the country. We strongly urge the Government of Liberia to adopt evidence-based approaches by actively engaging trained Addiction Professionals in the national fight against substance abuse. Achieving effective and...

*Strength Based Family 12 Steps* 
By  Psychologist Rafi Khawar.(Pakistan)24_08_
2025

rafikhawar960 [at] gmail [dot] com
In Addiction Recovery process ,no one can deny the importance of Family Role.
Family role has vital importance because Recovery and Relapse both can occur due to positive and negative role respectively .
These 12 steps have very special name for Addict which can eliminate stigma and give proper attention to the problem .Victim of Craving( VC) is a new term for Addict. 
These steps provide positive directions to family to play its role in supporting VC.
Here are Strength Based 12 Steps...

#SayNoToDrugsMarch

PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF LIBERIA

A Cry to Save a Dying Generation and Protect Our Future

Mr. President,

Honorable Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Distinguished Members of the House of Representatives,

Mr. Vice President, Madame President Pro Tempore and Distinguished Members of the Senate.

It is with heavy hearts and trembling voices that we, concerned citizens and residents of the Republic of Liberia, bring this petition to you in this moment of national emergency. Our ultimate goal is to engage the Government in putting in place several measures to fully and...

• Addiction is very compelx to understand thats why every person has a bulk of advice for the the victim of addiction. Just like a drowning person in the river hears many voices,orders,shouts for his safty..No doubt family intentions are postive and caring but in the River only the drowning person knows the speed and depth of water.
  Like this a person facing addiction only  knows  the intensity of cravings and physical and psychological Demands  and he listens addictive voices  of this disorder.
  For better recovery ,after completing the whole process of initial treatment ,there is a need to...

*The Journey of Addiction* *Prevention and Professional* *Growth in Africa* 

The fight against addiction in Africa is a complex journey marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and the undeniable need for structural reform. As the continent grapples with rising rates of substance abuse—especially among the youth—there is a growing awareness of the need for both preventive efforts and the professionalization of addiction services.

 *A Growing Crisis* 

Substance abuse, once considered a problem of the West, is now deeply rooted in African societies. Factors such as unemployment, poverty...