Fr Dr Joe Mariadhas
Director, Shalom Rehabilitation Centre, Chümoukedima
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024 with the theme “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention” is a clarion call to understand the status and the impact of substance use and abuse among the youth in Nagaland. The theme reflects the role of prevention in combating the menace of substance abuse from our society. The ill effect that has infected and affected hundreds of youth and especially among the student population is a grave concern for each of us who care for the families and society at large. The reports from news papers and other evidences show the increase of drug abuse and the need to respond to it without delay before the youth perish and become invalid.
The theme of this year speaks about the evidence of prevention education that can create awareness, access to treatment and prevent the younger generation from becoming a prey to the menace of substance abuse. It is pertinent to understand and accept that there exists substance abuse in our society and that all need to work together to combat this threat. With the initiative from the Police department ‘War on Drugs’ has enabled many police personnel to seek treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. It has brought about the great change not only to the individuals who were abusing but to the department, to the families and to the society at large. It has made many individuals to recover and relive as productive individuals otherwise would have become useless.
There are many prevention strategies that are being carried out in the state for the past many years and the impact it has made is also commendable. People at large have come to know the disease aspect of the drug and alcohol abuse and seek treatment at hospitals and other facilities that are available in the state. As this drug abuse has escalated even in the rural areas of the state it is important that rural population be educated on this issue and help them to seek treatment at the earliest as it can help the individuals and their families before the severity of the problem. In this regard the Govt. agencies need to make strong interventions that can bring about change in the society.
The churches being agents of change can create great impact on the general population as we all church goers. The leaders of the churches need proper orientation and guidance on the use and abuse of substances in the society. The church can act as catalysts of change in this changing and challenging world where substance abuse has killed many promising individuals who would have contributed greatly for the growth and development of the society. It is time that we wake up and not hide this reality as not existence or does not need to talk about it. Let us be open and frank to admit and take actions on this issue as it has long standing impact on the future of the society. It is everyone’s concern as church leaders and as members of a particular church to stand together to fight against substance abuse.
The role of educational institutions is vital in this regard as the students are the future of the society. Awareness on substance abuse has been taking place in educational institution for a long time but the impact it has made is not seen as the use and abuse of drugs among the students is on the increase rather than decreasing. It is a great concern that we need to respond to it without delay. Often we see educational institutions organizing awareness programmes and counselling for the students on the negative consequences and impact of substance abuse but it needs further interventions to create a drug free campus life. The role of these educational institutions is inevitable and can make lasting impact on the lives of the student community. As the theme for this year says invest in prevention.
There are many rehabilitation centers that serve the people of Nagaland in the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention strategies. The general public needs to become more aware of these centers and avail the facilities to combat substance abuse. Let us all work together to make this world a better place, a drug free society for a brighter tomorrow.
