College of Engineering Holds an Awareness Lecture on Digital Addiction and Drug Abuse

The Psychological Counseling and Educational Guidance Unit at the College of Engineering, University of Samarra—represented by its coordinator, Dr. Shaimaa Hisham Abdulmalik—organized an awareness lecture titled “Youth and Drugs in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities.” The lecture was delivered by Dr. Ouras Fadel Khalaf, with the attendance of several faculty members and students.

The session covered major forms of internet addiction, including addiction to online relationships and gaming, as well as behaviors related to online shopping and digital trading.

During the lecture, Dr. Khalaf highlighted key behavioral and psychological symptoms observed in individuals with addiction, such as constant preoccupation with the internet, loss of control over usage, social withdrawal, and mood and sleep disturbances.

He also reviewed available treatment approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the role of support groups, stressing the importance of setting healthy digital boundaries and seeking professional consultation when necessary.

The lecture concluded with an open discussion between the speaker and attendees on the risks of digital addiction and ways to protect young people from the negative effects of excessive use of modern technologies.