Kohima, March 21 (MExN): The Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation conducted a seminar on ‘Substance use- its ill effects and treatment’ in collaboration with the 4th NAP Battalion Thizama on March 20.
The programme was attended by more than 70 personnel from various ranks and files of the unit and was an initiative of the national campaign towards a drug-free India titled ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan,’ informed a press release from Ark Foundation. It was supported through the collaboration of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment/NISD, Kohima District Administration and Social Welfare department.
According to the release, the programme was chaired by the Asstt Commandant, Lucy Yhome (NPS), while the keynote address was delivered by the Adjutant of the Battalion, Wati who expressed concern about the menace of addiction in society and how it destroys the overall wellbeing of the person. The person becomes unproductive and also has to spend a huge amount of financial savings for addiction treatment. Therefore, it is important to be aware of such issues, he said while urging the participants to get the best out of the seminar.
ARK Foundation President Ketho Angami shared that drug addiction is still a reality in the society. He laid emphasis on the threat that narcotic drugs and alcoholism poses on the young and vulnerable sections of the society, including a large portion of the police workforce, and the Naga society at large. He gave an overview of drug addiction in the state of Nagaland and stated that drug addiction has affected every town and village across the state.
Angami also remarked that the approach towards helping the drug users should be towards treatment, rather than looking at it as a criminal issue that is liable for prosecution. He further underscored the need to work on primary prevention and also to provide an opportunity to the people who are already into the habit to seek treatment and come to recovery, since recovery from drug addiction is possible. He also urged the young upcoming police personnel to stay away from drugs including alcohol, as alcohol is also a drug of serious health and socio-economic implications. He also sought support from the police department to enforce the NDPS act 1985 of Section 64A, which provides immunity from prosecution if the accused voluntarily seeks and complete treatment, rather than only penalizing drug users as per section 27.
Meanwhile, Ilato, a former user, shared his concern on how families and the lives of individuals are vastly affected by the disease of addiction. He also shared some of the treatment options currently available as of these days such as Opioid Substitution Therapy and Rehabilitation Centres, by substantiating that people who use drugs and drink alcohol need treatment and that recovery is possible. He further advised all the youngsters of today’s generation including the police personnel to never experience any substance including alcohol, as it is an easy habit to get into but very difficult to get quit.
