World No Drug Day 2026 was observed in Mokokchung, with a Youth Awareness & Wellness Programme on the theme “Drug Abuse Prevention & Value-Based Living” at Hantry Hall, Assam Rifles ground Mokokchung on June 30.

The programme was organised by Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation (RERF), a sister organisation of Brahma Kumaris, in collaboration with the Medical Wing, Education Wing, Youth Wing and 12 Assam Rifles, Mokokchung. Civil societies including representatives from Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), students from various schools attended the rally.

Dr Swapan Gupta, Senior Neurologist and Narcotics Specialist, New Delhi speaking as the resource person highlighted the growing concern of drug abuse and its impact on individuals, families and society.

Dr Gupta pointed out that substance abuse remains a serious issue, particularly in Northeast India. Referring to data on substance use, he said that smoking, smokeless tobacco, alcohol and other substances are reported to be higher in the region.

He said that among the northeastern states, Manipur and Mizoram have reported higher levels of drug-related problems, while Nagaland stands in the middle range. He informed that drug addiction often begins during adolescence, especially between the ages of 15 to 19 years, which he described as a critical period when young people are more exposed to substance use.

Explaining the health consequences of drug abuse, Dr Gupta said addiction is not only a physical problem but also a mental, social and economic issue. He stated that substance abuse can affect the liver, blood system and increase the risk of diseases such as hepatitis B and C. It can also lead to lung damage, brain-related problems, depression, anxiety, psychosis and, in severe cases, suicide.

He added that drug abuse can lead individuals towards antisocial activities due to impaired judgement and reduced ability to think rationally. He said addiction also affects productivity as individuals may lose focus and struggle to contribute positively to society.

Explaining why people continue to use drugs despite knowing the harmful effects, Dr Gupta said substances affect the system of the brain. He explained that drugs release large amounts of dopamine, creating intense pleasure, which makes the brain develop a strong liking towards the substance.

He said repeated use causes changes in the brain, particularly affecting the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for intelligence, memory, concentration, judgement and rational thinking. Over time, the brain’s ability to control impulses becomes weaker, leading to dependence and compulsive drug use.

Dr Gupta explained that addiction involves tolerance, where a person requires increasing amounts of a substance to experience the same pleasure, and dependence, where the person develops a strong compulsion to continue using it.

He stressed that addiction should not only be approached through suppression but through transformation. He said people often use substances to cope with stress, anxiety and emotional difficulties, and therefore emotional support and positive changes are important.

Using cigarette addiction as an example, he explained that repeated thoughts and actions create strong patterns in the brain. He said the principle of “neurons that fire together, wire together” explains how habits are formed. According to him, creating awareness, positive thinking and repeated practice of healthier habits can help form new patterns.

Dr Gupta highlighted three important steps in overcoming addiction, creating the right awareness, transforming thoughts through positive affirmations and meditation, and building a strong support system.

He said awareness among young people is important because many are influenced by misconceptions that smoking or drug use is fashionable or harmless. He stressed that the reality is that these substances are harmful and should not be normalised.

He also spoke about the role of meditation and positive habits in replacing harmful pleasures with healthier sources of happiness. He referred to Anandamide, a naturally occurring chemical in the brain, which is associated with feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

Dr Gupta further emphasised the importance of emotional support for individuals struggling with addiction. He said family members and society should focus not only on correcting behaviour but also understanding emotional needs and helping individuals strengthen their mental resilience.

Concluding his speech, Dr Gupta said addiction is a challenge of the mind and requires awareness, value-based learning and emotional support. He stressed that education alone is not enough unless it is supported by values such as honesty, sincerity, compassion and responsibility.

He stated that individuals should recognise themselves as human beings first before their professional roles and that strengthening values can help people make better choices in life.

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Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, while addressing the programme, appreciated the organisers, particularly the Brahma Kumaris, for initiating discussions on drug abuse and social well-being. He stated that such initiatives are timely and relevant, especially when the country is working towards development and social progress.

Verma highlighted that drug abuse remains a major challenge not only for Nagaland but across the world. Referring to the presentation by resource person Dr. Swapan Gupta, he said the session provided valuable insights into the psychological, neurological and social dimensions of addiction, which should be disseminated among students and the wider public.

He stressed that addiction cannot be viewed solely as an individual’s fault, as multiple social and environmental factors contribute to substance abuse. Citing a key takeaway from the programme, he remarked that suppression is not a solution and that transformation can only be achieved through collective efforts involving families, educational institutions, community organisations and government agencies.

The DC emphasised the crucial role of parents and families in preventing drug abuse. He said parents must spend quality time with their children, understand their emotional and mental well-being, and provide guidance during their formative years. He added that personal growth, emotional stability and mental health should receive as much attention as academic performance.

Verma also underscored the responsibility of schools, colleges and the community in shaping the younger generation. He noted that educational institutions and social surroundings significantly influence the mental well-being and behaviour of young people.

Speaking on government interventions, he referred to preventive initiatives such as the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and awareness campaigns being carried out by churches, civil society organisations and various departments. He said these efforts must be strengthened to reduce the demand for drugs, observing that while enforcement agencies can attempt to curb supply, eliminating demand requires collective commitment from society.

He informed that counselling and de-addiction services are available through government health facilities and that affected individuals can seek professional assistance. He also pointed out the need for a government-funded rehabilitation centre, stating that addiction should be treated as a social and health issue rather than solely as a law-and-order problem. According to him, sending addicts to jail without rehabilitation reflects a failure of society to address the root causes of addiction.

Verma further stated that value based living, clear life goals and strong moral foundations are essential in preventing young people from falling into addiction. He observed that a sense of purpose and commitment can help individuals resist harmful influences and make responsible choices.

Linking the issue to national development, he said the vision of a developed India depends on the productive participation of its youth. He cautioned that widespread substance abuse could adversely affect the country’s demographic dividend and developmental aspirations.

The DC also highlighted the availability of counselling facilities for adolescents and youth in Mokokchung, encouraging students to seek guidance on health, emotional and personal issues whenever required.

Concluding his address, Verma appealed to all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, community leaders and government departments, to work together in addressing the drug menace and promoting a healthy and responsible society. He expressed hope that sustained collective efforts would bring positive and lasting change.

Rajyogini BK Sister Rupa, Director, Brahma Kumaris, Kohima, delivered the welcome address and introduced Brahma Kumaris and the Rajyoga Education & Research Foundation (RERF).

The programme also witnessed a special performance by Assam Rifles School children, followed by a special address from Ajit Kumar Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung. Colonel Bhanoo Pathak of 12 Assam Rifles also addressed the gathering.

A Nasha Mukti Pledge was administered during the programme, encouraging participants to stand against drug abuse and work towards building a drug free society.

After the programme, an awareness rally was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma. The rally commenced from Assam Rifles Ground, Mokokchung, and proceeded towards Police Point near Ao Baptist Church, Mokokchung, spreading the message “Say No to Drugs, Choose Life.”