The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2026 carrying the theme “World drug problem: persisting issues, new challenges, innovative responses” today was observed by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan- Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan at a programme held at Sacred Heart Byndihati Secondary School, Byndihati, East Jaintia Hills District.
This year’s observation was attended by the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District, Smti, R. Bareh, Medical Officer, in-charge Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat, Dr J. Nongtdu, Sub-Inspector (SI), Shri J. Dkhar, Programme Manager, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong, teachers, students, and others.
During the programme, Medical Officer, in-charge Oral Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre, Khliehriat, Dr. J. Nongtdu while speaking about the observation, he highlighted that drug addiction is a chronic disease that has devastating consequences on individuals, families and society even as he elaborated on the harmful effects of drugs on the human brain, particularly the frontal lobe, which is responsible for learning, memory, decision-making and behavioural control. He stated that prolonged drug abuse impairs these functions, making it difficult for individuals to think clearly and make sound decisions.
Dr. Nongtdu also explained the withdrawal symptoms experienced by drug-dependent individuals, including body aches, joint pain, excessive sweating, skin irritation, frequent yawning, drowsiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy and nausea. He emphasised that drug addiction not only destroys the lives of addicts but also causes immense suffering to their families and adversely affects society as a whole.
He further outlined that substance abuse often leads to criminal activities such as theft and other offences, creating law and order concerns and illustrating the common reasons why individuals fall into drug abuse, he cited ignorance, curiosity, peer pressure, lack of discipline and inadequate parental or community monitoring. Stressing the importance of timely intervention, he underscored the vital role of counselling in helping individuals overcome addiction and lead healthy, drug-free lives.
Furthermore, Dr. Nongtdu also outlined the different stages of addiction, namely the experimental stage, occasional use, regular use and dependence, urging participants to recognise the warning signs at an early stage and seek appropriate support and treatment even as he urged the students to always say no to drug in their day to day lives.
Sub-Inspector (SI) of Khliehriat Police Station, Shri J. Dkhar, in his address during the occasion, spoke at length on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the legal consequences faced by individuals who posses drugs. He also pointed out that the police department alone cannot fight against illicit drug trafficking, however, it requires the cooperation of all stakeholders including community leaders, teachers, students, NGOs, etc. in order to be able to create a drug free society.
The observation witnessed the enthusiastic participation from students, who actively engaged in an interactive question and answer session which made the programme more meaningful, informative and effective.
With the aim of reinforcing the commitment of individuals and communities to prevent drug abuse and combat illicit drug trafficking, all dignitaries and attendees led by Programme Manager, Mihmyntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Smti. R. Patlong took a pledge during the observation.
Other highlights of the programme include a dance performed by the students of Sacred Heart Secondary School, Byndihati and prize distributions to the winners of Drawing and Slogan Writing competitions in which Elizabeth Sympli won the first prize, followed by Fadrina Shylla and Iohbiang Bareh in the second and third prizes respectively, while, Ferisha Dong, Lita Mary Shylla and Luckystar Suchiang won the first, second and third prizes in the Slogan Writing competition respectively.
