Under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, and under the supervision of the President of Diyala University, Prof. Dr. Tahseen Hussain Mubarak, and the the Dean of the College of Education for Humanities, Prof. Dr. Luay Saihoud Al-Tamimi, the 17th Scientific Conference was held. The conference was organized under the slogan
Under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Naeem Al-Aboudi, and under the supervision of the President of Diyala University, Prof. Dr. Tahseen Hussain Mubarak, and the the Dean of the College of Education for Humanities, Prof. Dr. Luay Saihoud Al-Tamimi, the 17th Scientific Conference was held. The conference was organized under the slogan, “Combating Drugs and Psychoactive Substances and Their Psychological, Social, and Personal Implications,” from December 23–24, 2024. It was conducted in collaboration with the Iraqi Association for Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance, Al-Mansour University College, Al-Qalam University College, the College of Law at Diyala University, and several Iranian universities, including Lady Masoumeh University, Al-Zahra University, Tehran University, and Razi University. The conference witnessed the attendance of university vice presidents, members of the Diyala University Council, and broad official and academic participation, including the Directorate of Drug and Psychoactive Substances Affairs in Diyala Governorate.
In his opening speech, the Dean emphasized that combating drugs and psychoactive substances is a priority for society due to the severe negative effects these substances have on individuals. He highlighted that the consequences extend beyond mental and physical health, impacting personal and social relationships, leading to family disintegration, loss of trust among individuals, and increased crime and chaos in society. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach that includes awareness, prevention, treatment, and social support for addicts to ensure their proper reintegration into society.
The Chairman of the Scientific Committee, Prof. Dr. Khaled Jamal Hamdi, noted that the conference resulted in a significant collection of local, Arab, and international research across seven themes, covering the impact of psychological counseling, psychology, law, medicine, Islamic studies, educational institutions, and government entities. The conference also addressed the influence of technology in its various forms. Four foreign universities participated, including Tehran University, Razi University, Lady Masoumeh University, and Al-Zahra University. A total of 68 research papers were presented across the seven themes.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. Haitham Ahmed Al-Zubaidi, described drug abuse as one of the most dangerous phenomena threatening modern societies. He referred to it as a severe societal crisis undermining security worldwide. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s growing interest in addressing this issue comprehensively and noted that the conference outcomes would be implemented practically, showcasing the integral relationship between scientific research and community service.
The Director of the Directorate of Drug and Psychoactive Substances Affairs in Diyala Governorate, Brigadier Abbas Kazem Hassan, praised the conference as an important initiative with significant potential to raise awareness of this dangerous epidemic threatening Iraqi society at all levels. He outlined key strategies to combat drugs, including combating drug trafficking, reducing demand, and raising awareness about the risks.
The conference discussed several key themes, including:
1. Technology and drugs
2. The role of educational institutions in limiting the spread of drugs
3. Psychological treatment mechanisms for drug users
4. Drugs: causes and solutions
5. Legal and political measures to curb drug abuse
6. Religious perspectives on drug use and associated penalties
7. The impact of psychological counseling in educational institutions to combat drug threats
The conference aimed to raise awareness of the risks of drugs and psychoactive substances, address their psychological effects, and highlight their impact on social relationships. It also sought to strengthen collaboration between government, educational, and health institutions to combat drug abuse.
The conference activities included a documentary about the College of Education for Humanities titled “A College’s Glow,” another film on drug combat titled “The Cell,” and an opening scientific session chaired by Prof. Dr. Haitham Ahmed Al-Zubaidi with researchers from Iraq, Qatar, and Iran.
At the end of the opening session, the President of Diyala University honored Iraqi MP Ahmed Al-Mousawi, other notable attendees, and participating researchers from Arab and foreign countries with the Creativity and Excellence Shield. The Dean also presented the University President with the same award and recognized the conference’s contributing researchers.
