Addiction is often caused by low self-esteem and negative company, but loved ones can help by showing compassion instead of judgment, sharing stories of spiritual figures, and creating a supportive environment. Positive role models can also inspire addicts to change by their good example. Schools run by the Kalgidhar Trust help students develop confidence to encourage their own families to overcome addictions, such as two boys who convinced their fathers to give up alcohol.

1. Addiction to drugs, alcohol and tobacco occur mostly among those with pre
dominantly negative instincts, especially when they find themselves in similar
company or when they suffer low self-esteem. Rather than shunning them, family and friends must shower them
with love, instilling faith and confidence. Without preaching or being patronising, share stories of spiritual role
models with them including those of Dhruva, Prahlad and the sons of Guru Gobind Singh who showed great courage
in facing atrocities. Motivate the victim to recite the Divine Name — and impress upon him that this could give him
strength to resist addictions and would enable him to experience real bliss through spiritual practice, in place of
chemically induced toxic highs. Create circumstances at home that will encourage him to take stock and willingly
giveupharmfulstimulants.
PositiveRoleModels
Once the addict comes in contact with positive role models, their aura is bound to have a salutary effect. In good
company, the addict will be so inspired to turn over a new leaf that his negative perceptions will become
positive.Tasty and healthy food should be served to him to boost his self-esteem and revive his interest in the good
thingsoflifethathavebeneficialeffects.
The Kalgidhar Trust/Society at Baru Sahib has established a network of schools in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and
UP. Besides providing good education, these schools groom students in a holistic manner so that they go home and
motivate their family and friends to stay away from alcohol, drugs and other addictions. There are several examples
of students who have inspired their elders at home to become clean. In Moga, Punjab, value-based education brought
about a positive change in an affluent family that runs a successful transport business here.Two young children of
two affluent Sikh brothers heard of our Akal Academy that was 21 km from their home. After just three months in
school, they gained enough confidence to object to their fathers’ drinking binges.They requested their family
members to stop their addictions as it was going against the teaching of Sikh tenets. But their pleas fell on deaf ears.
They shared their pain with the Principal of the Academy and asked if they could stay in school. Stunned by the
appeal of the young children, the Principal assured them that the Trust would accommodate them free in the school
premises.
The children now went back home and told their parents that since they were not trying to overcome their addiction
to alcohol, they were leaving home. Stunned and surprised at this bold decision taken by their children, the parents
agreed to make serious efforts to de-addict themselves. But the children, not confident of the commitment given by
their parents, packed their bags and stayed in school. The parents rushed to school to meet the principal; she gently
rebukedthembutcounselledthem,aswell.
The incident shook up the two families and the members who were addicted to alcohol decided to give it up
permanently. Later, they even got baptised in the Sikh way of life. This is just one example of how value-based
educationcanimpactsocietypositively.
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June26isInternationalDayagainst
DrugAbuse andIllicitTrafficking.
FollowBabaIqbalSinghat
speakingtree.in
BABA IQBAL SINGH, of the Kalgidhar Society
at Baru Sahib leads a network of spiritually inspired
Akal Akademies, in a combined effort to help
rehabilitate drug addicts, particularly in Punjab
‘Boost your self-esteem’