Centre to tackle mental health & addiction inaugurated

Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak on Saturday inaugurated the Mindblown Wellness Centre at Chümoukedima, marking a significant step toward addressing mental health and addiction challenges in Nagaland.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Wangpang acknowledged that mental health remained one of the most neglected areas in the state, even at the government level. He noted the limited number of de-addiction centres and the growing mental distress among youth. While recognizing the role of prayer centres, he emphasized that medical attention, counselling, and psychiatric care were essential for holistic healing.
Describing the centre as “God’s intervention,” Wangpang expressed hope that it would contribute meaningfully to mental health care in the state. He assured full support to the initiative, including raising the issue with the state government for further intervention.
Director of Mindblown Wellness Centre, Dr. Althea S. Wotsa, shared the journey behind the centre’s establishment. She recalled that the idea was born during a conversation with her friend, Dr. Ayang, while travelling for a CME programme.
What began as a distant dream, she said, gradually took shape through conviction and divine guidance.
Citing the 2019 Magnitude of Substance Use in India report by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and AIIMS, Dr. Wotsa highlighted that Nagaland had an estimated 6.24 lakh substance users, including 1.11 lakh children and 26,000 women. She noted that the prevalence of opium, heroin, and sunflower (shan flower) use stood at 25.2%, while sedative misuse in the state was around 10%, significantly higher than the national average of 1.1%.
She also referred to a case study by AIIMS estimating that daily expenditure on opium use in Nagaland amounted to approximately Rs. 550 crore. Stressing the urgent need for rehabilitation, Dr. Wotsa underscored the importance of holistic healing delivered by skilled and compassionate professionals.
Earlier, the programme began with an invocation by Rev. Dr. N. Lipok Jamir, Pastor of Diphupar Ao Baptist Arogo, followed by a special number presented by Bem Khuvung.
The act of dedication was led by Rev. Tiatoshi Longkumer, Executive Secretary, NPBCA. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Sentichuba Longchar, Consultant Anaesthetist, Zion Hospital & Research Centre, and the benediction was pronounced by Dr. Kanili Aye, Women Pastor, Chekiye Ghami Baptist Akukuhou.
The inauguration marked a hopeful beginning for mental health advocacy and addiction recovery in the state.