Excelsior’s Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 22: Continue relentless drive to spread awareness and lend a helping hand to the needy. Head Department of Cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma conducted a day-long cardiac awareness-cum-health check-up camp at Udas Marg Sanstha, RS Pura Jammu with the main emphasis on promoting a healthy and heart-friendly, drug-free lifestyle to reduce morbidity and socio-economic burden.
While interacting with the people, Dr. Sushil noted that science and religion, two domains often perceived as opposites, offer unique perspectives on understanding and addressing addiction and its treatment. Addiction is a complex issue influenced by biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors. The integration of science and religion can provide a comprehensive approach to tackling this challenge.
“Science, grounded in empirical evidence and research, views addiction as a medical condition. Many faith traditions view addiction as a manifestation of spiritual disconnection or moral failure, emphasizing repentance, forgiveness, and reconnection with a higher power. Despite contributions from both science and religion several challenges arise in their integration for addiction treatment.A significant challenge is the stigma associated with addiction.Scientific perspectives advocate for seeing addiction as a disease rather than a moral one failure, but societal and religious attitudes often perpetuate shame and guilt.Caregivers and religious leaders must work together to bridge gaps in understanding and create holistic models of care, says Dr. Sharma.
He elaborated that science and religion both play crucial roles in addressing human suffering. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, society can better address complex issues such as substance abuse and heart disease. Science and religion often offer distinct but complementary perspectives when it comes to dealing with challenges such as substance abuse treatment. “Science focuses on evidence-based approaches, such as pharmacological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes, to help individuals recover from addiction. Religion, on the other hand, can provide spiritual guidance, emotional support, and a sense of community that enhances resilience and purpose. Together, these perspectives can create a holistic approach to treatment, which addresses not only the physical and psychological dimensions of addiction but also the moral and spiritual dilemmas individuals face But integrating these approaches requires careful consideration of individual beliefs and cultural contexts to ensure treatment is both effective and respectful, says Dr Sharma.
Others who were part of the camp include Dr Venkatesh Yellupu and Dr Dhaneshwer Kapoor. Paramedics and volunteers include Kamal Sharma, Raj Kumar, Shubham Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Rohit Nayyar, Rahul Vaid, Makhan Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nirvair Singh Bali.
