Drugs to Dignity

The Meghalaya government has announced that it would set up detoxification and de-addiction centres in all district headquarters within four months, a much-needed move in curbing the menace of substance abuse. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma asserted the mission to provide rehabilitation service to all substance users. Detoxification is the process of removing toxic substances or clearing the body of drugs or alcohol. The duration of this treatment, which helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely, varies from person to person, depending on a number of factors, including the type of substance used and underlying medical conditions. It is the first step towards the rehabilitation process or before availing personalised care and services, including counselling to help defeat addiction. So, the government’s move is a significant step towards achieving a drug-free state. What remains to be seen is its implementation on the ground and public response.

Well, the substance abuse menace extends beyond Meghalaya; the situation is similar, if not worse, in most other north-eastern states, including Nagaland. Drug abuse and trafficking are common crises faced by the people of the region, driven by the region's proximity to the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand), which is known for the notoriety of producing illicit drugs, and the porous international borders. Respective state governments have initiated several programmes, including heightened crackdowns on the trading of illegal substances and aggressive awareness campaigns to combat these dual issues – addiction and illicit trafficking. The central government too has been creating awareness about the ill effects of substance abuse among the youth via the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug-Free India Campaign), and dozens of de-addiction centres have been established in the region under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme. But we have seen only limited success. What appears to be missing is a coordinated effort to address the shared issues.

Northeast India is being dubbed as a major transit point for supplying drugs to other parts of the country. To effectively disrupt this supply chain, it is essential for all states to coordinate and function as a unified entity. The law enforcement agencies should share knowledge and intensify checks to prevent the flow of illicit substances into the region. It is equally important to make rehabilitation services accessible to anyone seeking help to overcome any type of addiction, be it drugs or alcohol. Community involvement and a robust social support system are also essential in the fight against addiction. To effectively address this issue, we need empathy, not discrimination.