Imphal, June 07: It is not an easy task for any drug users to kick the habit and if they succeeded then the greatest challenge facing them is what to do for livelihood to win over the lost confidence of their near and dear ones.

However, R Akhup and M Kenedy are among the few who have been able to pick up the thread of their shattered lives after giving up the drug habit through their respective new callings, one working as a barber and the other as an artisan, and in the process winning back the trust and confidence of their family members and society at large.

After kicking their drug habit, they said they felt their greatest happiness when their young children look up to them with pride.

30-year old R Akhup comes from Sagang village located 75 kms from Imphal in Churachandpur district while M Kenedy (38) from Moirang Maibram Leikai in Bishnupur district.

Once treated like plague in their own families, both of them are today responsible members of the Hope For All, a community-based organisation formed together by former drug users.

Supported by Dedicated People's Union (DPU), the main objective of Hope for All, with its head office at Kumbi Bazar is to fight against the problems of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS and sensitize the people on the negative impacts of social stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS patients and drug abusers.

Along with undergoing drug substitution therapy, Akhup is among three former drugs abusers who are being employed as barbers while Kenedy is among 12 others who are being engaged in the craft of cane and bamboo products specialising in Mora making at the business unit of DPU attached with its head office at Kumbi Bazar.

Though no money is charge for cutting the hair of the members, some honorarium is being given to the barbers for the service from the side of DPU.

However, if general people are coming to have their hair cut then Rs 7 is charge from them.

Members of the Hope for All have also made good use of this arrangement as a medium to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection along with distribution of free condoms and syringes.

Another noteworthy activity of the business unit is the engagement of former drug users in cane and bamboo crafts like making Mora.

In all 12 such artisans are working in the business unit and M Kenedy is one of them.

It is said there is great demand for the Moras from this business unit not only from among the local NGOs but also from BSF camps.

With some income being able earned this way, a confident Kenedy today said that he taken a resolute stand of living life to the fullest and ensure the very best for his two children.

According to secretary of DPU Kh Phalguni, abuse of drugs among the youth in Manipur is widely prevalent due to various factors like frustration, lack of recreation facilities and easy access to drugs.

He explained that addiction is like a disease which can be cured and so instead of ill-treating drug abusers, the family members should try to take them into confidence for undergoing treatment.

Family members should also help them in finding out their hidden talents as this can be of great help in diverting their mind from drug habits, Phalguni said, adding that this would surely help in speeding up the pace of development in Manipur.

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