AMADA takes awareness drive to students
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17 2012:
In its unceasing attempt to make the State a drug-free one, the All Manipur Anti-drug Association (AMADA) organised an awareness programme on prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking at Madina Universal English School, Madina Road, Lilong Keithel today.
Delivering the keynote address, Tombi Leima said the awareness programme, second of its kind in a span of a fortnight, was organised as part of the organisation's unending efforts for the elimination of drugs/substance abuse from the Manipuri society which is at high risk due to the heavy toll that drugs have taken on the student's community and youth of the State in general.
Observing that it could not keep confiscating drugs to stop the social epidemic, it has now shifted its focus by spreading awareness among children and adolescents who are vulnerable to drug/substance abuse.
Resource person of the programme, S Hemanta enlightened on the use, manufacture, dealing/retailing and transport of psychotropic substances while pointing out that uses of drugs for anything other than medical and research purposes is illegal and is a punishable offence.
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Inspiring the students not to abuse drugs, the resource person persuaded them not to carry or accept suspicious items from strangers.
Talking at length on substance abuse in adolescents and effects of drugs with audio-visual aid, another resource person, Dr Angomacha informed that drugs addiction occurs in stages starting from small indulgences like tobacco, cigarette, gutkha, paan, and liquor to heroine, marijuana and other psychotropic drugs.
He said that the abuse of drugs often leads to domestic violence, child abuse, impaired family relationship, social rejection and self-isolation apart from the obvious physical, social psychological implications.
RK Ibungosana, Superintendent of NCB, Imphal also spoke as a resource person.
Two participating students were presented a reward for giving the correct answers to questions that were directed to the students after the end of the presentations.
According to the organiser, the awareness held today tallied to an impressive total of 70 such programmes down the years.