An Indian college student sports a message on her face as she holds a placard during a campaign ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse in Bangalore on June 24. International Day against Drug Abuse is on June 26. (AP Photo)
DIMAPUR, JUNE 24 (MExN): The Network of Nagaland Drugs and AIDS Organization (N-NagaDAO) while acknowledging the concern and contribution of the Church and Church leaders towards positive response in addressing social issues which is becoming more apparent, has appealed to the religious and church leaders to do more.
A press note from Khriebu Nakhro, President, NNagaDAO pointed out that “every religious community” was living with the problem of Drug Abuse including Alcohol abuse and that “those under this bondage are our brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, mothers and fathers, relatives and friends”. “The suffering of one is the suffering of many”, it stated while giving thanks for what it termed as “signs of hope” and for “growing understanding” besides “medical advances” and for changing attitudes and behavior and for greater awareness and concern in our church.
Informing that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 26th June 2011 was falling on a Sunday, the NNagaDAO stated that taking this opportunity, it was appealing for a request to all the churches and church leaders for a special prayer for all those who are under the bondage of Drugs and Alcohol, those in recovery and in the process of recovery, their families, their care givers and service providers.
An appeal to Naga Religious/Church leaders on the occasion of Intl Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Describing alcoholism and drug addiction as among the most prevalent, complex, and destructive illness in human society, the NNagaDAO pointed out that they are found in every segment of society, regardless of race, religion, and socioeconomic class. Most significant was their impact on physical and mental health, family relationships and child development, road safety, criminal justice, and the economy, as well as all other arenas of human society, it stated.
The press note pointed to the “sheer numbers” as “astounding”, whether one considers the problem from a human, institutional, or an economic perspective. “Drugs and alcohol abuse is a crisis of enormous Spiritual, Social, Economic and Political proportions. And, increasingly, it is a problem of the young”, it stated.
Another major challenge that is confronting our society is HIV & AIDS which are closely related to Drugs and Alcohol abuse, the NNagaDAO observed while pointing out that under the influence of Alcohol/drugs a person may wrongly decide to indulge in risky behaviours, thus increasing the chances of contracting HIV, Hepatitis, STIs and other infectious diseases. “Overcoming these challenges requires courage, commitment and leadership at all levels, especially among religious leaders”, it stated adding the “churches have strengths, they have credibility, and they are grounded in communities”. This offers them the opportunity to make real difference in their communities, the appeal stated.
It was also informed that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the International campaign aimed at raising awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and especially to young people. The goal of the campaign is to inspire people and mobilize support for drug control and its related consequences. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on the - 26th June every year. The theme for this year is “Think Health, Not Drugs”.
A press note from Khriebu Nakhro, President, NNagaDAO pointed out that “every religious community” was living with the problem of Drug Abuse including Alcohol abuse and that “those under this bondage are our brothers and sisters, daughters and sons, mothers and fathers, relatives and friends”. “The suffering of one is the suffering of many”, it stated while giving thanks for what it termed as “signs of hope” and for “growing understanding” besides “medical advances” and for changing attitudes and behavior and for greater awareness and concern in our church.
Informing that the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – 26th June 2011 was falling on a Sunday, the NNagaDAO stated that taking this opportunity, it was appealing for a request to all the churches and church leaders for a special prayer for all those who are under the bondage of Drugs and Alcohol, those in recovery and in the process of recovery, their families, their care givers and service providers.
An appeal to Naga Religious/Church leaders on the occasion of Intl Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Describing alcoholism and drug addiction as among the most prevalent, complex, and destructive illness in human society, the NNagaDAO pointed out that they are found in every segment of society, regardless of race, religion, and socioeconomic class. Most significant was their impact on physical and mental health, family relationships and child development, road safety, criminal justice, and the economy, as well as all other arenas of human society, it stated.
The press note pointed to the “sheer numbers” as “astounding”, whether one considers the problem from a human, institutional, or an economic perspective. “Drugs and alcohol abuse is a crisis of enormous Spiritual, Social, Economic and Political proportions. And, increasingly, it is a problem of the young”, it stated.
Another major challenge that is confronting our society is HIV & AIDS which are closely related to Drugs and Alcohol abuse, the NNagaDAO observed while pointing out that under the influence of Alcohol/drugs a person may wrongly decide to indulge in risky behaviours, thus increasing the chances of contracting HIV, Hepatitis, STIs and other infectious diseases. “Overcoming these challenges requires courage, commitment and leadership at all levels, especially among religious leaders”, it stated adding the “churches have strengths, they have credibility, and they are grounded in communities”. This offers them the opportunity to make real difference in their communities, the appeal stated.
It was also informed that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) leads the International campaign aimed at raising awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society and especially to young people. The goal of the campaign is to inspire people and mobilize support for drug control and its related consequences. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed on the - 26th June every year. The theme for this year is “Think Health, Not Drugs”.
A collective response is the need of the hour. What we can do:….
• Break the silence: Using the basic facts, talk openly in the family and faith community about the reality and danger of Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS.
• Prevent Fear and Prejudice: Call for tolerance, understanding and reconciliation within families, places of worship and the society at large.
• Conduct prayers or meditation services or camps.
• Add Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS topics to prayers, sermons and discussions at regular religious meetings.
• Lead discussions on Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS with groups in the local congregation, such as women’s and youths groups.
• Provide effective marriage counseling.
• Invite and welcome Drug dependents, people with HIV and AIDS, their carers, family members and friends into your church and home.
• Lead by example by visiting and ministering to Drug dependents, people with HIV and AIDS in hospitals, hospices or home.
• Break the silence: Using the basic facts, talk openly in the family and faith community about the reality and danger of Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS.
• Prevent Fear and Prejudice: Call for tolerance, understanding and reconciliation within families, places of worship and the society at large.
• Conduct prayers or meditation services or camps.
• Add Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS topics to prayers, sermons and discussions at regular religious meetings.
• Lead discussions on Drug Abuse and HIV & AIDS with groups in the local congregation, such as women’s and youths groups.
• Provide effective marriage counseling.
• Invite and welcome Drug dependents, people with HIV and AIDS, their carers, family members and friends into your church and home.
• Lead by example by visiting and ministering to Drug dependents, people with HIV and AIDS in hospitals, hospices or home.
