Speakers during the awareness programme on substance use disorder held at Oriental College on February 26.
KOHIMA, FEBRUARY 27 (MExN): The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Oriental College, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, organised an awareness programme on Substance Use Disorder on February 26.
Ketho Angami, President of the ARK Foundation, provided an introduction to substance abuse and emphasized the importance of primary prevention. He discussed the growing issue of addiction in society, noting that it is increasingly affecting younger age groups, with many individuals as young as 13 or 14 years old becoming involved in substance abuse. Angami cited a small-scale study showing 51 male and 52 female drug users. He attributed the rise in addiction to early exposure to substances such as alcohol, smoking, gutkha, and narcotics, adding that ignorance and curiosity often lead individuals down this path.
Llato Kiba, a recovering drug user, shared his personal experience with the harmful effects of drug use. Kiba recounted how, as a bright student in his youth, he began experimenting with drugs at an early age. This led to a series of negative outcomes, including loss of concentration, sleep disturbances, restlessness, theft, involvement in fights, and imprisonment. His testimony highlighted the social and personal consequences of addiction and his eventual withdrawal from society.
The programme also provided an opportunity for students to participate in a questionnaire session. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Zahebeituo Kire, Senior Welfare Inspector from the Social Welfare Department, Kohima.
