Webinar on “Drug Abuse and Mental Health: A Dual Crisis”

Event Date and Year:  26-06-2025

Event Brief Description:

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club of the School of Law, Galgotias University successfully organized a webinar titled “Drug Abuse and Mental Health: A Dual Crisis” on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed globally on 26th June. The event brought together students, faculty members, and experts to discuss the interrelation between substance abuse and psychological trauma, emphasizing the need for awareness, mental health support, and compassionate legal frameworks.

Event Detailed Description:

The Legal Aid Clinic and Pro Bono Club, School of Law, Galgotias University, organized an impactful and insightful webinar on 26th June 2025 to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, centred around the theme “Drug Abuse and Mental Health: A Dual Crisis.” The event aimed to foster a deeper understanding among law students, faculty members, and legal aid volunteers about the intricate link between substance abuse and mental health. A relationship often ignored in mainstream legal and social narratives. The session emphasized that addiction is not solely a criminal act but a manifestation of underlying emotional, psychological, and societal issues that demand a more compassionate and holistic approach. The keynote speaker for the webinar wasMr. Pankaj Kumar, a certified psychologist and the Founder & CEO of P&V Healing Pathways, who has extensive experience in addiction recovery and trauma healing. Mr. Kumar began by discussing how individuals struggling with substance abuse frequently suffer from emotional isolation, unresolved trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress, which often remain unaddressed within traditional legal frameworks. He urged participants to adopt a more empathetic lens, recognizing addiction as a symptom of deeper distress rather than merely a legal offense. Mr. Kumar introduced several practical tools and strategies for mental well-being, including the Mental Health First Aid Kit, which equips individuals with basic yet essential responses during psychological emergencies; mindfulness and meditation techniques to build emotional resilience and promote inner calm; and body healing practices rooted in somatic therapy and breathwork to address trauma stored in the body. These self-help tools were demonstrated as essential life skills not only for those recovering from addiction but also for law students and professionals managing high levels of stress and secondary trauma. The session also brought attention to the policy gaps and shortcomings in existing legal approaches, which often focus on criminalization rather than rehabilitation. Mr. Kumar advocated for an integrated legal-psychosocial model that combines restorative justice, community support, and trauma-informed care. The webinar received enthusiastic engagement from attendees who posed thought-provoking questions, reflecting their curiosity about how legal professionals can contribute to building a more humane, inclusive justice system. 

Mentor Name: Mr. Harsh Sandhu 

Department Name: School of Law, Galgotias University

Event Outcome:

The webinar successfully sensitized participants to the complex interplay between drug abuse and mental health, offering a comprehensive and empathetic perspective on substance dependence. It equipped attendees with practical psychological tools and self-help strategies, such as mental health first aid, mindfulness techniques, and body healing practices, empowering them to support themselves and others during mental health challenges. The session also encouraged meaningful discourse on the need for legal reforms that prioritize rehabilitation and mental well-being over punitive approaches, highlighting the importance of integrating psychological care within the legal framework.

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