A Personal Thought on Substance Abuse
Addiction to narcotics, alcohol and other intoxicants has become almost all pervasive, affecting families across our society
- Our society today is awash with addictions and indulgences.
Amidst many good and positive things that are taking place in our historical,
traditional as well as Biblical and contemporary paradigms by the grace of God,
our people, especially the youth, are also falling prey to many social evils
prevalent. While fashion and trends/influences do not fail to take the young
people along with its currents or winds, the real picture seems to say that the
magnitude of the problem is not at all small or negligible. Rather it is a
mounting challenge increasing day by day and efforts or facilities made or
available to handle such inroads/invasions are inadequate.
- Addiction to narcotics, alcohol and other intoxicants has
become almost all pervasive, affecting families across our society. What are
we, as concerned citizens/affected families/people wielding power/influential
groups or individuals/government/believers, doing to help?
- We have heard of a few rehabilitation centres here and there
in our State, including Kripa Foundation which has been doing well till now,
but we cannot afford to depend on 2-3 rehab centres alone. Rehabilitation
centres are not available in many places, thereby leaving many districts with
no facilities at all in any form. Medical/health department may be treating
some serious cases requiring hospitalisation but such cases are only a fraction
of all victims or infected/affected cases in different places.
- It is said the meaning of “kripa” is Grace, which is a
Christian word or concept. Where are the grace-provisions/facilities for those
in the grip of intoxicating and narcotic agents like alcohol, drugs, nicotine
and related substances? Even the abuse/overuse of medicines like cough syrups,
pain relievers, tranquillizers etc. are in need of our attention. Related
agents like local tobacco leaves (khuprü), ganja (cannabis indica), poppy
(opium) flowers, sunflower etc., not forgetting inhalation of agents like
petrol, diesel, adhesives and similar materials. All those tendencies or habits
need our attention.
- It is not only adult males who are susceptible to such
intoxicants and narcotic substances. Women and teenagers (juveniles) are
equally vulnerable and should also have access to rehabilitation
treatment/facilities. We need counselling and rehabilitation centres that cater
to both young and old, male or female.
- We are in need of a broad-based structure or framework to
tackle this challenge. It is the responsibility of every citizen, besides
guidance and assistance from the state government, church, NGOs, Tribal Hohos
etc. etc.
- We are all aware of the activities of the Red Cross Society
to help and provide relief to victims of calamities etc. Similarly, much more
should be coming forth from various sections of our society. Some volunteers or
agencies can lead, organize, tap resources from willing
donors/contributors/helping hands and come forward to co-ordinate with
concerned government departments (Medical, Social Welfare, Police, Law etc.) in
setting up counselling, detoxification and rehabilitation centres, which can
further offer advice/guidance to affected family members, villagers or local
churches and other unions or bodies for future follow-ups etc.
