ARK Foundation held a series of webinar under, “workshop on substance abuse and prevention” with youth department of City Church on July 10, Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou and Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA), St. Francis De Sales Parish Church, Kohima on July 18.
A press release by ARK Foundation president Ketho Angami stated that, with support from the department of Social Welfare, programme was held on July 18 with the leaders and members of ACYA through a virtual connection.
During the programme moderated by Ketho Angami on the topic, he shared the history of addiction in the state, which started almost four decades back. He defined the definition of substance use as “any substance when taken in turn modifies the person’s well being”. He shared the various types of drugs such as depressant, sedative and hallucinogens, termed as “gateway drugs” such as sniffing of dendrites, use of tobacco and nicotine products, and other inhalant substance.
Highlighting on the introduction of the drug called Yaba (WY- World is yours), Ketho informed that its consumption has been reported in Kohima, Dimapur, Mon and Tuensang. Expressing that few cases among college going students were also reported, he said that this was a cause of great concern as this drug is very lethal even in itself. He also said that another concern was also the rampant use of pharmaceutical drugs in the form of cough syrup.
On the management and prevention perspective, he mentioned that primary prevention was the “key” where people should be made aware of the harmful effects of drug use and not to ever get introduced into substance use, and treatment through rehabilitation for those who are already in the addictive stage. He concluded the presentation by mentioning some signs that can be observed in a person who was starting or into repeated drug use, and some tips to prevent the youngsters to keeping away from being introduced. Earlier, welcome address was delivered by the Zhavilie and opening prayer led by Zevisanuo.