A 10-day Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Programme (CARP) organised by Dimapur Ao Youth Organization (DAYO) in collaboration with Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTC&S), 3rd Mile Chümoukedima concluded on Sunday with chairperson Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Dimapur district, Moamenla Yaden as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Moamenla Yaden drew parallels between the temptations faced by Jesus after his Baptism and the challenges the recovering addicts would encounter in their journey towards recovery. Pointing out that the real challenge would begin once the members leave the supportive environment of the camp, Yaden advised them on the importance of resisting “emotional, mental, and physical temptations”.
She also advised inmates to seek professional help post detox programme in the event they face any kind of physical or mental issues, while also cautioning them against relapsing or going back to their old habits.
Emphasising on the importance and need of self-awareness, she encouraged the recovering addicts to remember the lessons they learnt during the camp and to remain vigilant against falling prey to old habits.
While acknowledging the emotional and physical pain endured by parents, family, and caregivers of the recovering addicts, Yaden asked them to reflect on the root causes of addiction, approach their loved ones compassionately and provide them emotional support.
Yaden also briefed the gathering on the initiatives undertaken by the CWC Dimapur, highlighting the committee’s focus on matters concerning children below the age of 18.
Delivering a short speech, CO, No. 2 Training Battalion, ARTC&S, Col., Tsuknungwati Jamir, congratulated the “recovery brothers”, who had successfully completed the ten-day programme aimed at overcoming challenges posed by substance abuse.
He said the “recovery brothers”, have completed the “first difficult step” by joining the camp and reminded them that the “real test” awaits beyond the camp, where their resolution to overcome addiction would be thoroughly tested.
Underscoring the importance of a support system, Jamir assured the “recovery brothers” that they were not leaving the camp alone and that they will have unwavering support of friends, family members, DAYO and the Assam Rifles.
Taking note over drug issue in Nagaland, he urged all Nagas to actively participate in eradicating the issue of drug abuse in the state.
Sharing his experience at the camp, a “recovering brother” said he has been battling substance abuse since 2013, which had taken a toll on his physical health. He divulged that the camp was his fourth attempt on “detox and rehabilitation”.
He said the daily routine, counselling sessions, and therapeutic booth interactions during the ten-day camp was “transformative” and thanked DAYO, AR, the doctors, nurses, mentors, and counsellors for their commendable efforts.
He urged the churches to broaden their focus beyond church building and outreach missions, and to recognize and address the sufferings within their own state and community.
The “detox and rehabilitation programme” co-sponsored by CO, No. 2 Training Battalion, ARTC&S, which commenced November 3, was attended by ten recovering addicts.
The programme was chaired by executive advisor, DAYO, I Abenjang, invocation by Along Longchari, special number by the recovery brothers, short speeches were also delivered by DAYO president, Tia Longchar and DAYO advisor, Akum Jamir, and vote of thanks by DAYO CARP convener, Imsentemjen.