‘Substance abuse not just an individual’s problem’

Nagaland Govt urged to review State Substance Abuse Prevention & Treatment Policy

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 26 

Amidst the gradual rise in alcohol and substance abuse in the state, the Nagaland State Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Policy lies in cold storage after all these years; since it was framed three years back in 2016 and yet to be implemented in whatsoever manner.

Against this backdrop, as the world observed the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, appeals have been made by communities in the state for the State Government to relook and review the policy. 

The communities felt that before the policy is implemented with budgetary allocation from the State Government, it needs to be revisited and adapted to the current situation considering the emerging policies and guidelines issued by various Ministries. 

This appeal was made during the observation of the state level observation of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme ‘Better Knowledge for Better Care’ on June 26 at SLCA, Kripa Foundation training hall, Red Cross complex, Kohima.

The programme was organised by the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with Kripa Foundation via video conference.

Kripa Foundation Director, Abou Mere said “it is time to set aside harmful politics, ideology and prejudice and to prioritize health and human rights over incarceration and futile efforts to achieve a ‘drug-free world’.”

“Substance use and abuse is not just an individual’s problem but involves a wide spectrum of socio-economic, socio-political and human rights issue. It can happen to anyone, including our own family members” Mere stated.

Though Nagaland was one of the few states in India to develop its own drug policy, Mere opined that the policy needs to be reviewed by the State Government taking into account the findings from recent studies such as the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE), Government of India.

He also suggested that the process should also incorporate updated policies issued by the MoSJE and the MoHFW, as well and other scientific evidence based programmes for prevention and treatment. He asserted that the policy should provide the much-needed guidance to address drugs and alcohol as a public health and human rights issue, and provide appropriate budget allocation for implementation.

Mere was hopeful that the State Government will accord utmost importance and enable the Social Welfare Department to coordinate and implement various programmes with the allied departments and NGOs. “We believe that this will ensure an effective collective response to address the psycho-socio-medical issues associated with substance use in Nagaland” he added.

Expressing concern on the rise of substance abuse among school and college going students, guest speaker, Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare, Sarah R Ritse observed that Nagaland is located in a very vulnerable geographical location, having access to all sorts of substances trafficked from across the domestic and international borders.

She emphasised on the need for collective efforts to fight against substance abuse and illicit trafficking through various tools and mechanisms to ensure a substance abuse free society.

“We must share the burden of highlighting the danger of substance abuse and its threat to erode the social fabric of our society, and bring a sense of understanding of the menace and threat posed by substance abuse and illicit trafficking, particularly among the youths” said Ritse.

Ritse also concurred that the policy needs a relook and assured to take up the matter in due course of time to make it a more effective and achievable policy. She invited sharing of substance abuse prevention strategy to be incorporated in the policy.

With the formulation of the ‘National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction’ (NAPDDR) in 2018, she maintained that the department is committed to work in tandem with all stakeholders including the Central Ministry to ensure that action plan is implemented in toto.

She also acknowledged the efforts of various NGOs and faith based organisations in containing substance abuse in the state for the past many years through various counseling and rehabilitation programmes.

The programme also witnessed the launching of State Multi Media Campaign and Substance Use helpline number 9862160447 and 9089273154 for anyone who needs help and support relating to substance abuse.