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...

Official Statement by Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD)
On the Occasion of the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

June 26, 2025

On this 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) joins the international community in commemorating a day dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities across the world. Established by the United Nations, this day calls for global cooperation to combat drug trafficking and to...

Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD Launched First-Ever Evidence-Based Substance Used Disorders Prevention in Liberia. 

The Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program is designed as a comprehensive, school-based prevention model that seeks to develop and enhance students’ personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. It aims to introduce, implement, and sustain evidence-based substance abuse prevention initiatives in schools across Liberia through a participatory and inclusive approach that engages students, school authorities, and community...

Strengthening Our Fight Against Drugs Through Grassroots Action.

Dear Team,

As we continue our collective efforts to prevent drug and substance abuse, it is becoming increasingly clear that real and lasting impact starts at the grassroots level. The strength of any movement lies in its foundation—and for us, that foundation is our communities.

Building a grassroots network in our areas is not just important—it is essential. By empowering local leaders, engaging families, collaborating with schools, religious institutions, youth groups, and community-based organizations, we create a strong...

• *Patient Parking*
  Rafi khawar (pakistan).
  01_19_2025.
  This term is introduced by me in my upcoming Book *Talb*in urdu, means Craving.  
  Patient parking is used when family of  Person with SUD lost Hopes of Recovery of their loved one and faces  episodes of  Relapse constantly,They admitted him in Residential facility just for their own relaxation and ease for the time being and unload themselves from panic situations,Worries and for any upcoming event in the family like marriage of any family member ets, but not for Patient,s recovery because they have no hope of this due to...

Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing have called for the swift passage of proposed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, including a complete ban on e-cigarettes or vaping.

This demand was raised during a youth gathering titled “Demand for Banning E-Cigarettes and Vaping and Immediate Passage of Proposed Tobacco Control Law Amendments”, held in front of the National Museum at Shahbagh, Dhaka, on Thursday morning. Over a hundred students from various universities, including Dhaka University and Jahangirnagar University, participated in the event. The participants emphasized...

A seminar was organized on the occasion of World AIDS Day, focusing on the theme of the rights of key populations in Bangladesh. The event took place on Saturday, November 30, at 11 AM in the auditorium of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, under the Health and WASH Sector of the organization.

As an honorable guest at the seminar, Dr. Ronawok Khan, Chief of Party of the HIV/AIDS Program at Save the Children, stated, "Today, key populations, including PWID (People Who Inject Drugs) and sex workers, are deprived of their rightful access to health protection and various government social security services...

A 3 day long residential training was held to ensure mental health and rights support for women who use drugs. On Thursday (November 14), the closing ceremony of this training, which started on November 12, took place at the training center of the NGO Forum for Public Health in Lalmatia, Dhaka.

This training was conducted for field staff of the "VIV Health Care Positive Action" project, managed under the Health and WASH sector of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, aimed at reducing the HIV/AIDS risk among women who use drugs and ensuring mental health support for improving their quality of life. The...

As part of our ongoing efforts to achieve significant drug demand reduction in Liberia, we are implementing evidence-based prevention intervention programs. A critical step in this process involves training and involving prevention professionals to effectively address substance use issues in our communities.

The Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) ECHO-Training began on November 4, 2024, and the first phase will conclude on November 16, 2024. My sincere appreciation goes to the Ministry of Health, particularly the Mental Health Unit, for their efforts in recruiting participants and...

Report of UTC 6,7& 8 is here by attached.

It is necessary to ensure mental health care for those serving at-risk populations. Along with promoting safe work environments, mental health support must also be prioritized. According to World Health organisation (WHO), currentlyover 30 million people in the country need mental health services.

The speakers said this in a discussion meeting on the occasion of celebrating the World Mental Health Day organized by the Ahsania Mission Female Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, at the meeting room of the Health Sector, Dhaka Ahsania Mission in the capital's Shyamoli, Dhaka, on Wednesday...

Youth training on tobacco control strategies, capacity building and leadership skills development organized by Dhaka Ahsania Mission