Drug awareness programme at Mayang Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 08 2012:
A drug awareness programme was held today at Mayang Imphal Puja Mandop under the aegis of 3D Foundation Mayang Imphal.
Speaking as a resource person at the programme, project officer of Orchid Project Th Jotin said that drug addiction is a kind of health problem which resulted from prolonged use of drugs.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already recognised drug addition as a health problem and it cannot be treated by corporal punishment or physical isolation.
They should be allowed to mingle with the society, Jotin said.
Drug addicts should be treated by detoxification method and it must be understood that they need physical, mental and emotional support more than normal persons.
Those who took to drugs out of frustration, insecurity, unemployment and other reasons did not take to drugs to become addicts.
They too wish to live like normal persons in the society.
All drug addicts should be brought out by their families for proper treatment keeping aside all kinds of social stigma and taboo.
In the meantime, youngsters who have not yet tasted any drugs should be explained in clear terms all the disadvantages and negative effects of drug abuse, he said.
Even though the Govt is spending substantial amount of money to bring about drug supply reduction, demand reduction and harm reduction, there is a big gap between the three, said NACO programme officer N Raj.
Even as series of awareness programmes were organised against drug abuse, people still do not have adequate practical knowledge about drug abuse, said Global Fund Project Officer M Sadananda.
Today's awareness programme was attended by Mayang Municipal Council Chairperson Th Rajmohon, Chongtham Ashokumar, Mayang Imphal PS OC RK Anilkumar, Mayang Imphal Cdo OC-in-charge Anand Singh and Captain Rakesh Shah of 18th Sikh Regiment as presidium members.