Awareness seminar on drug abuse held
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 10 2023:
A seminar on drug abuse awareness on the theme "Say No to Drugs: Building a Drug-Free District" was organised by the Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) at Mount Everest College, Senapati today as part of the combat against drugs campaign.
In his opening remark, Gonmei Meithuanlungpou, Acting Principal, Mount Everest College stated that drug abuse is the greatest enemy of men and appealed to all to lead a drug free life following a healthy regime.
The seminar has been conducted with the primary objective of raising awareness on the adverse impacts of substance abuse so as to safeguard the society from further degradation, he added.
He also appealed to all to divert oneself from all forms of temptations which may lead to addictions.
ML Kaisungbou, MPS, Additional SP Senapati, spoke on the theme, "Understanding narcotic drug and illicit trafficking and its impact on students and youth and legal implications" .
Raising concern on the extensive use of drugs across the State leading to many unwanted outcomes, he appealed to all to love oneself, to be strong in religious foundation, be obedient and develop interest in extra-curricular activities.
He further maintained that civil society organisations (CSOs) leaders and church leaders have a vital role in fighting against substance abuse in the State.
He also spoke briefly about the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and its provisions.
ML Kaisungbou also appealed to all to seek professional help and not to be ashamed or to change location and environment if one is into drugs.
Paveine Paulina Y, clinical psychologist, DMHP, Senapati delivered a lecture on "Psychological interventions on substance use" .
The psychologist mentioned various strategies one may employ to get out of the vicious cycle of addiction.
To maintain urge management, Paulina mentioned the 5Ds to delay, to drink water, to distract, to discuss and to take deep breathing and to take stimulus control techniques, to turn to positive addictions and life skills.
Later, the participants took a pledge to fight against drug abuse and strive for a drug-free society.