Many districts including Arunachal’s easternmost districts located near the porous international border and its proximity to the golden triangle have fallen prey to the drug menace. And its users are in the productive age group of 18-35 years; the loss in terms of human potential and societal ramifications is huge. 

In recent time there has been an escalation of drug use especially among the youths and so has been the movement for curbing this menace. Conscientious citizens and law enforcers have launched several campaigns from raiding shops to destroying poppy and cannabis fields across the state. The gravity of the problem is palpable to ‘one and all’.

Much has been said about the gnawing drug addiction problem in the state. And the comparatively little action that has been done seems to be flawed. Most drug-control programmes focus on restricting the supply of illicit drugs. This is not enough. The focus has to shift to demand reduction by preventing addiction and providing more treatment facilities for addicts.

Not just here in the state but even at the national level, there is no data to quantify the shortage of treatment facilities, but the gap is huge. Given the epidemic proportion of drug addiction, we need de-addiction centres in every nook and cranny of the country. The shortage of clinical psychologists and counsellors on ground also makes the recovery process that much harder.

However, with a little training, doctors from district hospitals and community health centres can provide basic treatment and drugs, with specialised cases referred to higher centres. This is where the state government must focus.

The need of the hour is for understanding the emotional requirements of the youngsters incorporating guidance and counselling. Steps must be taken not only to address drug-users and vulnerable groups but equal emphasis must be given for the proper rehabilitation of de-addicts so that they can make a comeback to mainstream society and lead fulfilling lives.

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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