An awareness program on “Effects of substance use on the mind and body” organised by Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) District Hospital Tuensang was held at Holy Angels School Tuensang on Thursday. The program was attended by the students of classes 9 and 10.
Jemya Walling, a counsellor at ATF spoke on several points including what addiction is; types of substances and how adolescence becomes a susceptible age group; the effects of addiction on the mind and body; learning to say “No”as a means of prevention.
The counsellor also emphasised other students should study and work hard, inculcate and cultivate good habits, use the internet wisely, and develop self-confidence and personality.
Giving a brief overview about ATF, Walling informed that it was established in October 2024 at district hospital Tuensang, implemented as a bridge to connect individuals struggling with substance abuse with adequate psychosocial and pharmacological treatment.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
“At ATF, we strive to provide a holistic treatment service so as to equip and enable individuals to achieve and maintain abstinence from substance abuse and to enhance the quality of life,” Walling added.
An ATF treatment plan focuses on understanding the nature of addiction, becoming substance-free and prevention relapse or regain control over one’s own life and choices, the counsellor added. Treatment includes detoxification (detox), counselling and behavioural therapies, rehabilitation program and medications.
Walling said that while helping those struggling with substance use, the team at ATF Tuensang believes that cure can be achieved only through prevention hence with this goal in mind the team has started creating awareness against drugs especially among the young one’s beginning with the students to learn to say “No- to drugs at all costs”.
So far, such awareness have been held at three schools and church. The goal is to reach to every students and youth In Tuensang town covering all the schools by the end of the current year.
In addition to creating awareness, pledges were also taken and majority of the students have willingly took the pledge never to do drugs.
