KOHIMA — Self-medication can lead to addiction and frequent use of addictive substances is directly related to drug abuse and dependence on more dangerous substances, warned Renbo, Project Manager, Kripa Foundation, Nagaland.
He was speaking at an ‘Awareness and Sensitisation Programme on Substance Abuse and HIV/STI’, organised by the New Market Women Organisation (NMWO) in collaboration with the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS), at New Market (Ser) Panchayat Hall, Kohima, on Saturday.
Speaking on the topic ‘Gateway Drugs and Substance Abuse’, Renbo said that substances like tobacco, ghutka and cigarettes, besides cannabinoids, are significant predictors of other drug use during adolescence.
He also said that alcohol, despite being the oldest drug with its own perks, is often abused.
He said that the gateway to drug abuse often begins with the initial use of mood-altering substances, which then leads to the introduction of harder substances. This habit, primarily psychological, eventually leads to physical dependency, he said.
Renbo also highlighted fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol withdrawal and treatment protocols, besides stressing physical and mental health impact of substance abuse- its social and behavioural consequences in relationships, work, and education, legal issues, financial burdens, and the risk of overdose and death.
Furthermore, he outlined various primary prevention strategies, including treatment, rehabilitation, counselling and therapy, support groups, and other available services.
Ainato Yeptho, Deputy Director of NSACS; K. P. Ezung, Assistant Director at Kripa Foundation, Nagaland; Dr. K. P. A. Ilyas, DIG, CID Police Headquarters, Kohima; and Dr. Deli Rhezhü, CMO, Central Health Services, Kohima, spoke on various pressing topics at the programme, while NMWO president Vikezenuo Sekhose delivered the welcome address.
The programme was attended by students, women and panchayat leaders.