THE war against drug abuse is something that Pakistan has been fighting for years, it especially shows its ugly head in our learning institutes with abundant availability and lots of opportunities to abuse drugs. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 296 million people globally used drugs in 2021—a 26% increase from the previous decade. Furthermore, drug-related deaths surged with opioids accounting for two-thirds of these fatalities.
The traditional methods have all seemed to fail us when it comes to being a viable solution against the problem. The shadows of addiction loom large, but there is a beacon of hope—adventure! Beyond just an exhilarating escape, outdoor adventure therapy has become a proven remedy for building resilience and preventing substance abuse.
The psychological impact of adventure and physical activity is profound. Physical exercise stimulates the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and endorphins—chemicals that play a key role in mood regulation and the management of addiction. Engaging in adventurous activities in natural environment also encourages mindfulness, which has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, common triggers for substance use. Adventure-based programmes help cultivate healthy coping strategies through structured physical challenges, teamwork and outdoor experience. These activities engage students in problem-solving and emotional regulation, key skills needed to handle academic stress and peer pressure. By participating in adventurous activities, students experience a boost in self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which can counter the allure of drugs and provide natural stress relief.
At Quaid-i-Azam University, QAU Adventure Club is leveraging this approach to address the growing concerns of drug use among students. In a recent seminar with Anti-Narcotics Force, the bright young team of QAU adventure club presented their idea of adventure based therapies and invited ANF to collaborate and engage the young minds in helping combat the problem. The club is specifically targeting newly admitted bachelor’s students, offering them a healthier way to cope with the challenges of university life.
What sets the QAU Adventure Club apart is its commitment to inclusivity and community-building. The club gathers students from all academic levels—whether they are pursuing BS, MPhil or PhD degrees—creating a diverse, supportive environment where individuals from different backgrounds and ethnicities can bond over shared experiences. This sense of community is essential in fostering long-term mental well-being. The team is also composed of BS, Mphil and PhD students with different academic backgrounds and bright new ideas that gives this club its unique edge.
The QAU Adventure Club’s collaboration with ANF will further reinforce the importance of healthy social networks and physical activity in combating drug addiction. By offering a structured, adventurous alternative to risky behaviours, the club promotes not only fitness and resilience but also social integration. The program will create opportunities for students to connect, share experiences and develop trust in one another, counteracting the negative influences that might otherwise lead them toward substance use. As QAU and ANF move forward with this collaboration, they provide a hopeful path for students seeking not only a drug-free life but also a vibrant, supportive academic experience.
—The writer is MPhil scholar and researcher at National institute of Psychology, Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University.
