Medical Officer, OST Centre Jakhama, Dr Keneilhoulie Medom, students and others during a one-day awareness programme on drug abuse and induction on Opioid Substitution Therapy organised at St Joseph's (Autonomous), Jakhama on February 12. (Morung Photo)
Highlights OST services as a pathway to recovery
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 12
College and school students are increasingly becoming easy targets for drug peddlers amid a worrying rise in youth addiction, noted Medical Officer, OST Jakhama, Dr Keneilhoulie Medom on Thursday, while also highlighting that timely intervention services offers a pathway to recovery and hope.
Dr Medom was speaking at a one-day awareness programme on drug abuse and induction on Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) organised by the OST Centre, Jakhama in collaboration with NUN (TI), Jakhama, LWS Kripa Foundation, Kohima, and Youth Red Cross, St Joseph's (Autonomous), Jakhama, at the college premises.
Highlighting the tactics used by drug peddlers, he said they deliberately target students, exploiting their curiosity, peer pressure and emotional vulnerability.
Such manipulation often draws young individuals into the “dark world of addiction” before they fully understand its consequences, he said.
At the same time, Dr Medom underscored that help is available, highlighting the OST services at the Jakhama Primary Health Centre, which provide structured medical support for individuals struggling with opioid dependence.
The therapy, he said, is specifically designed to assist those already caught in the cycle of addiction and offers them a pathway to recovery.
Expressing concern over the number of adolescents battling addiction in silence, Dr Medom said many are hesitant to seek help due to fear or stigma. He urged students to reach out for support and to stand by peers who may be struggling.
Calling on the youth to take a firm stand, he encouraged students to pledge to say no to drugs and to act as ambassadors of awareness by sharing information within their circles of friends and family.
During the programme, District Resource Person, LWS Kripa Foundation Kohima, Rokoneinuo also addressed the gathering, while Dr Sr Anita Varghese, SABS, pronounced the invocation. The session was chaired by Hoketozo Kirha, Programme Manager, NUN (TI), Jakhama.
