ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, July 23: Health Minister Biyuram Waghe while responding to a query by MLA Wanglin Lowangdong informed that as per  National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India (2019), the magnitude of substance use in Arunachal Pradesh is alarming. As per the Survey, Arunachal Pradesh is among the top four states in India for all categories of substance abuse.
The survey examined the extent and pattern of use for eight categories of psychoactive substances in Arunachal Pradesh like alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine, amphetamine stimulants, sedatives, inhalants, and hallucinogens.
The Health Minister also divulged that Opium cultivation had been an integral part of the local practices in many tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Poppy cultivation and opium consumption have become deeply ingrained in the socio-economic and cultural life of the people in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. However, a report by the Central Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) warns of large-scale commercial cultivation of poppy by affluent individuals for opium gum extraction and trafficking. The report emphasizes the urgent need for intervention to prevent adverse impacts on national security and the health and survival of various tribes inhabiting Arunachal Pradesh's remote and inaccessible areas.
The unchecked spread of addiction among the region's young population could potentially result in the extinction of entire communities. According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s report on the ‘National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India" (2019), the magnitude of substance use in Arunachal Pradesh is alarming. The survey examined the extent and pattern of use for eight categories of psychoactive substances in Arunachal Pradesh: alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine, amphetamine stimulants, sedatives, inhalants, and hallucinogens. The survey placed Arunachal Pradesh among the top four states in India for all categories of substance abuse.
While responding to the question by Lowangdong, the Minister also stated that in response to these challenges, the Arunachal Pradesh State Cabinet approved the A.P. Policy on Psychoactive Substances 2021, which aims to eradicate the illegal use of Psychoactive Substances in Arunachal Pradesh, control the widespread use of psychoactive substances in the community, emphasize primary prevention programs among non-users, particularly focusing on children and women, set guidelines for 'regulating all demand, harm, and supply reduction program, establish a state-level authority and its various committees to ensure a scientific and evidence-based response. Undertake surveys, research, training, documentation, and collection of relevant information on psychoactive substance abuse to reinforce the above objectives.
 The State Government created the A.P. Drug De- Addiction Society (APDDAS) under the Chief Minister's Flagship Program (Mukhya Mantri Nasha Mukht Yojana) and has undertaken several activities to combat substance abuse. It has established several Drug De-Addiction cum Rehabilitation Centers across the state involving both I Govt. Healthcare Facilities and NGOs. The Department of Health & Family Welfare, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, National Action  PIan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) has also initiated the establishment of an Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in Govt. Hospitals across the Districts, in partnership with the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi, Till date 7 (seven) District Hospitals have viz: Anjaw, Changlang, Dibang Valley, Namsai, Tirap, West Kameng and Upper Siang have been identified and has set up the ATF in these hospitals. A.P. Drug De-Addiction Society (APDDAS) under the Chief Minister's Flagship Programme (Mukhya Mantri Nasha Mukhti Yojana) has developed Training Module, Curriculum, IEC materials, and also conducts regular and periodic training for Medical and Law Enforcement Personnel.
Regarding fund provision, the Minister informed the house that the total fund provision for FY 2023-2024 was Rupees twenty crore only.

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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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