Nagaland faces rising teen drug abuse: Campaign calls for urgent action

KOHIMA — Nagaland is witnessing an alarming rise in substance abuse among teenagers, driven by early exposure to drugs, social acceptance, and lack of recreational alternatives, according to Limawabang Jamir, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department.

Speaking at the launch of ‘Breaking the Silence 3.0’, a mental health and substance abuse awareness campaign held on Tuesday at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School in Kohima, the government officer highlighted that the crisis is not only affecting individuals but also posing a significant threat to families, communities, and the future of society.

The ‘Breaking the Silence’ campaign is presented by Acts Connect and led by beauty pageant winners from across the Northeast—Anon Konyak (Miss Nagaland 2024), Tadu Lunia (Miss Arunachal Pradesh 2024), Angelia Marwein (Femina Miss India Northeast 2024), and Bahun Nongrum (Miss Meghalaya 2024)—who also shared words of encouragement with the students.

Jamir described the campaign as a “powerful call to action” to confront and end the stigma, misinformation, and denial surrounding drug use, addiction, and recovery. He stressed that the movement would require collective responsibility and an urgent response to one of society’s most pressing yet unspoken challenges.

He pointed out that Nagaland’s porous borders, challenging geography, and socio-economic issues have compounded the drug problem. Substances such as heroin, sunflower, cough syrup, Spasmo-Proxyvon, and crystal meth are reportedly being used by teenagers and those in their early 20s. Injectable drug use has also contributed to the state’s high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

Jamir expressed concern over growing unemployment and the lack of meaningful opportunities for young people in the state. He said such frustrations have led many youths to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. “This issue must be addressed collectively and urgently to protect the future of our next generations,” he stated.

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He also shared that stigma has forced many individuals to suffer in silence, and it is time for families and communities to create safe spaces for open conversations.

“We must support victims of addiction through dialogue, healing, and compassion,” he said, adding that the Social Welfare department is committed to spreading the message of ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life’ across Nagaland through awareness initiatives.

He urged all stakeholders—including families, schools, religious groups, and civil society—to unite in the fight against substance abuse and protect the younger generation from its grip.

Also speaking at the event, Manish Kumar, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North), said the silence surrounding addiction has caused untold suffering for individuals and families, often due to fear of judgment or social rejection. “That silence has cost lives, strained communities, and held back potential,” he said, adding that the campaign title is not just symbolic but a promise—to talk, to listen, and to stand by one another without judgment.

He noted that Breaking the Silence 3.0 will travel through Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya in the coming weeks, with the goal of reaching out to young people through workshops, music, art, interactive sessions, and real conversations. “This is not just a movement of people but a movement of ideas, empathy, and change,” he said.

“Mental health is not weakness. Addiction is not failure. And asking for help is not shameful but a sign of courage—the first step to healing,” Kumar said.