Dimapur | September 1 : “It was in the year 1995… out of curiosity, I tried drugs for the first time,” Chumlangthung, a recovering drug addict says in fluent English. He liked it and eventually became hooked to drugs, he adds. Chumlangthung, like many Naga youths tried drugs out of curiosity and later became addicted. Today, after one year of being absolutely clean, Chumlangthung talks about the path he chose that almost destroyed his life.
The sober looking man in his 30’s says his behavior began to change after he became addicted to drugs. “I began to lie, steal, cheat and hurt people,” he says. The former addict says that it strained relationships with his family, friends and the society. Everybody was fed up with his ways and family problems started mounting. He would get into trouble with the law and even landed up in jail several times. He went into detoxification ten times but that did not stop his urge to continue using drugs. “I wanted to lead a normal life like others…but I was helpless and hopeless,” Chumlangthung says.
Then in 2010, he found hope when one of his friends introduced him to a rehabilitation programme run by Bethesda Youth Welfare Society (BYWS). After going through a rigorous rehabilitation regime, he finally managed to come clean by accepting that “drug addiction is a disease and can be cured.” And today, he proudly speaks at the 24th Foundation Day cum ex-residents reunion programme of Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre in Dimapur. Chumlangthung has a lot of people to thanks for helping him pass through the hardest phase of his life. On the occasion, he thanks God, the staff and management of BYWS. He said their support and his commitment to leave drugs transformed his life.
BYWF is Nagaland’s pioneer non-profit organisation committed for the uplift of the people afflicted and inflicted by the twin problem of alcohol and drug dependency. Many people like Chumlangthung have received aid and care from the Centre, and it continues to transform many more peoples’ lives. Today BYWF celebrated its 24th foundation day, an indication it has come a long way in helping the needy people. The Centre was established in 1987 at the heights of drug problem in Nagaland. The Centre provide outpatient counseling and de-toxification unit, integrated rehabilitation centre for addicts, youth education and training programme and targeted intervention projects.
Over the years, it has incorporated several other programmes in its area of work such as HIV and AIDS, women and child care, rural development and healthcare, promotion and protection of cultural heritage, environment, flora and fauna. The main objective of the Centre strives towards bringing hope into the lives of people afflicted and inflicted with drugs and alcohol. It also deals in HIV and AIDS related problems by providing rehabilitation facilities. It further works towards promoting socio-economic justice to the marginalized community and create conducive environment for promoting holistic development.
A small programme was organized to commemorate its 24th foundation day. Additional Deputy Commission, Dimapur, Tarep Imchen was the chief guest. The programme was attended by many well wishers and formers residents.
The sober looking man in his 30’s says his behavior began to change after he became addicted to drugs. “I began to lie, steal, cheat and hurt people,” he says. The former addict says that it strained relationships with his family, friends and the society. Everybody was fed up with his ways and family problems started mounting. He would get into trouble with the law and even landed up in jail several times. He went into detoxification ten times but that did not stop his urge to continue using drugs. “I wanted to lead a normal life like others…but I was helpless and hopeless,” Chumlangthung says.
Then in 2010, he found hope when one of his friends introduced him to a rehabilitation programme run by Bethesda Youth Welfare Society (BYWS). After going through a rigorous rehabilitation regime, he finally managed to come clean by accepting that “drug addiction is a disease and can be cured.” And today, he proudly speaks at the 24th Foundation Day cum ex-residents reunion programme of Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre in Dimapur. Chumlangthung has a lot of people to thanks for helping him pass through the hardest phase of his life. On the occasion, he thanks God, the staff and management of BYWS. He said their support and his commitment to leave drugs transformed his life.
BYWF is Nagaland’s pioneer non-profit organisation committed for the uplift of the people afflicted and inflicted by the twin problem of alcohol and drug dependency. Many people like Chumlangthung have received aid and care from the Centre, and it continues to transform many more peoples’ lives. Today BYWF celebrated its 24th foundation day, an indication it has come a long way in helping the needy people. The Centre was established in 1987 at the heights of drug problem in Nagaland. The Centre provide outpatient counseling and de-toxification unit, integrated rehabilitation centre for addicts, youth education and training programme and targeted intervention projects.
Over the years, it has incorporated several other programmes in its area of work such as HIV and AIDS, women and child care, rural development and healthcare, promotion and protection of cultural heritage, environment, flora and fauna. The main objective of the Centre strives towards bringing hope into the lives of people afflicted and inflicted with drugs and alcohol. It also deals in HIV and AIDS related problems by providing rehabilitation facilities. It further works towards promoting socio-economic justice to the marginalized community and create conducive environment for promoting holistic development.
A small programme was organized to commemorate its 24th foundation day. Additional Deputy Commission, Dimapur, Tarep Imchen was the chief guest. The programme was attended by many well wishers and formers residents.
