The Department of Social Welfare, Government of Nagaland, conducted a “One-Day Awareness Seminar on Substance Abuse” for various child care institutions, District Child Protection Unit and stakeholders of Tuensang District on Wednesday at CTS Hall, Tuensang.

In the first session of the seminar, Resource Person P. Ramtsula, Counsellor, Good Will Society Drug De-Addiction Centre, Tuensang, spoke on “Prevention and Management of Substance Abuse.” She stressed on the need for developing understanding, creating awareness on adverse consequences of commonly misused substances and for increased support for users.

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Ramtsula emphasized development of skills to negotiate pressure from peers, family and popular culture to resist substance use and give up on harmful practices, to identify the access support system for self and others. She also highlighted that the major impacts of substance are economic loss, job loss and not able to support the family.

In the second session, resource person Thapli, counsellor from Integrated Development Society, Tuensang spoke on “Understanding Addiction and Nature and Type of Substance Abuse” like opium which is very much commonly misused by people.

Dwelling on the nature of addiction, he pointed out that there are varied types of drugs categorised into legal and non-legal drugs. He elaborated about three types important types of drugs like stimulants, Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants and hallucinogens.

Thapli also touched on stigmatization faced by drug users today in his session.

Earlier, the program was chaired by Lunong Lakiu, ADEO,w DCPU Tuensang, welcome note was delivered by Yangthriba A Sangtam, District Child Protection Officer, followed by vote of thanks from Vekha, Legal cum Probation Officer, Tuensang.