The Department of Social Welfare organized a one day awareness seminar on “substance abuse” for various CCIs, DCPUs and stake holders of Kiphire district on November 16, under the topic “Understanding addiction, prevention and management of substance abuse” and “Substance abuse counselling in a Child Care Institutions (CCI) set up”, with Medical Officer, District Hospital Kiphire Dr. Tiakumzuk Sangtam and ICTC Counselor T Litongla as the resource person.
Dr. Tiakumzuk Sangtam shared on the four stages of addiction i.e. experimentation, Recreation, Frequent use, and Abuse. He stated that over 60% of drug abusers presently, started at the early age of 20 years and below, while in conclusion, he highlighted on how to prevent substance abuse.
ICTC counsellor Kiphire T Litongla shared on various aspects of counselling and how counselling could help an addict to overcome the addiction. She also stated that many start consuming drugs out of curiosity and peer pressure and at the same time, out of frustration, stress, depression, availability and early accessibility to soft substance like tobacco.
She further stated that controlling and preventing substance abuse was a collective effort and also need medication as well as counselling. Earlier, programme started with a keynote address by district child protection officer, Kiphire, NS Khaikho.