Mahendergarh, 20.05.26-The workshop is jointly organized by the Department of Psychology, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh; Adayu Mental Health Hospital - A Fortis Network Hospital, Gurugram; and the Indian Association of Health, Research and Welfare (IAHRW). This RCI-approved workshop aims to strengthen professional competencies in addiction management and mental health care through evidence-based clinical training and psychosocial intervention strategies.

Prof. Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice-Cahncellor underscored the problem of Alcohol use and stressed on the need of timely assessment, scientific intervention, relapse prevention, and psychosocial rehabilitation for long-term recovery and improved quality of life among affected individuals. He appreciated Rehabilitation Council of India, New Delhi for approving CRE status of the workshop.

The three-day National CRE Workshop on “Alcohol Use Disorder: Assessment, Clinical Management and Psychosocial Interventions” was inaugurated today at Adayu Mental Health Hospital - A Fortis Network Hospital, Gurugram. Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson, Mental Health Program, Fortis Healthcare and Adayu Mindfulness, joined as the inaugural guest for the program, in presence of Prof. Payal Chandel (coordinator of the program) and Dr. Sunil Saini, President, IAHRW. Dr. Parikh highlighted the growing need for specialized mental health training and collaborative efforts in addressing substance use disorders in contemporary society. Dr. Sunil Saini stated that alcohol dependence not only affects physical and psychological health but also significantly impacts families, workplaces, and society at large.

Around 135 participants from about 10 states across the country are attending the workshop, including academicians, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, faculty members, mental health professionals, rehabilitation practitioners, research scholars, and students. Prof. Vishva Chaudhary, Head Department of Psychology emphasized the urgent need for awareness, professional preparedness, and multidisciplinary approaches in tackling Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

The first day of the workshop featured expert sessions by Dr. Mantosh Kumar, Psychiatrist, and Ms. Mimansa Singh, Clinical Psychologist, on the neurobiology and clinical features of Alcohol Use Disorder. Ms. Sonam Chaudhary, Clinical Psychologist, delivered a session on screening, assessment, and severity formulation in AUD, while Dr. Neha Aggarwal, Psychiatrist discussed alcohol withdrawal, identification, and medical management. Program Coordinator Prof. Payal Chandel told that the workshop further includes expert deliberations on motivational interviewing, pharmacological and anti-craving interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy for relapse prevention, family interventions, social rehabilitation, comorbidity in AUD, and long-term recovery management.