Irina Timmrgalieva, Police Lieutenant Colonel and Senior Officer for Specially Important Cases of the Department for Combating Drug-Related Crime of the Pavlodar Region Police Department, spoke to the students about criminal legislation, liability for drug-related offenses, and the consequences that can change a person’s life long before they realize the seriousness of their actions.

Alesya Larina, a psychologist at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health in Pavlodar, discussed the medical and psychological aspects of drug use. She explained how addiction affects a person’s health and mental well-being, relationships with loved ones, and ability to return to a fulfilling life.

The students were particularly impressed by the real-life stories shared by the main participants of the meeting — volunteers from the “Asar” Social Rehabilitation Unit. They spoke about their personal experiences with drug use, the consequences of addiction, and being held criminally liable, sharing how a single choice can lead to the loss of freedom and the trust of loved ones.

The young people were able to see that behind the word “drugs” lies not an abstract problem, but real human lives and the price a person may have to pay for one mistake.