In an effort to generate awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and in order to prevent students from falling prey to such practices, the Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Khliehriat in collaboration with the office of the District School Education Officer (DSEO), East Jaintia Hills District,supported by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), East Jaintia Hills District today organized an awareness programme on substance abuse at Rymbai Community Hall, Iawpynsin, East Jaintia Hills District.
The programme was attended by Medical & Health Officer, In-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Centre, Khliehriat, Dr J. Nongtdu in the presence of Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Khliehriat, Smti. R. Patlong, teachers, students and others.
Medical & Health Officer, In-charge Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), Centre, Khliehriat, Dr J. Nongtdu while speaking to the students about substance abuse stated that the main aim of the programme is to generate awareness among students about the harmful effects of substance abuse and to prevent them from falling prey to such practices even as he informed the students about various types of drugs, including stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens and further spoke about the effect of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine on an individual’s life.
Dr Nongtdu, while speaking about the adverse effect of these substances on the human body, highlighted the organs that are most affected by drug abuse even as he sensitized the students about the signs to identify when someone is using drugs.
He further elaborated on the effects of heroin on the human body at different stages, including symptoms such as warm flushing of the skin, drowsiness, slow breathing, dry mouth, heavy feeling in arms and legs, etc. The students were also sensitized on the reasons why individuals often resort to drug use, as well as the far-reaching impact of substance abuse on individuals,friends, families and society at large.
Furthermore, he stated that such awareness programmes are crucial for students as they help in educating them about the grave menace of substance abuse in society, which has destroyed the lives of many young people who have fallen prey to it, thereby helping to prevent students from falling into the trap of drugs.
Programme Manager, Mih-Myntdu Community Social Welfare Association (MCSWA), Khliehriat, Smti. R. Patlong, in her address spoke about the four stages of addiction including the initial stage (experimentation) where a person tries out of curiosity, peer pressure, etc, the subsequent stages being Regular Use, Abuse and Dependence; and elaborated on the adverse effects of drug abuse including its physical, social, mental, financial and legal consequences. She urged the students that regardless of the challenges they may face in life, they should refrain from using such substances, as they only worsen situations and ultimately destroy the lives of individuals.
The awareness programme featured an interactive session, during which students actively engaged in a question-and-answer discussions on the topic.
