Monday Musing
[ Bengia Ajum ]
In July this year, when Health & Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge informed the state assembly that Arunachal Pradesh had been placed among the top four states in the country for all categories of substance abuse, many in the state expressed surprise over the findings. Responding to a question by senior BJP member Wanglin Lowangdong, Wahge stated that the survey showed the magnitude of substance use in Arunachal was “alarming.” The survey examined the extent and pattern of use across eight categories of psychoactive substances-alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine, amphetamines, sedatives, inhalants, and hallucinogens-and found that Arunachal Pradesh ranked among the top four states in India for substance abuse.
Today, almost every household in the state is grappling with the issue of drug addiction. Once thought to be a problem limited to towns and cities, the drug menace has spread to rural villages as well. In many areas, young people are being overwhelmed by the growing cases of substance abuse. In fact, drug addiction is spreading like wildfire across Arunachal Pradesh. When a person in the family starts using substances, the entire family suffers in silence. Often, families try to handle the situation themselves, hiding the reality in the hope that the person will overcome the addiction. Society tends to stigmatize families with addicts, which further complicates the issue.
Imagine the pain of parents who raise their children with so much hope, only to see them destroy their future due to substance abuse. No parent deserves this kind of pain and trauma. Society should stop looking down on these families and, instead, extend full support to them during these harrowing times. While wealthier families can afford to send their addicted loved ones to expensive rehab centers, poor families are left to suffer in silence, unable to access the help they need.
The state government should establish more state-run rehabilitation centers with affordable fees so that addicts can get a second chance at life and redemption. In recent years, the state police have done commendable work in combating the drug menace by busting several supply chains. These gains should be capitalized on by offering more opportunities for addicts to restart their lives, which is where additional rehab centers will play a crucial role.
Apart from substance abuse, mental health is another area that requires society’s and the government’s attention. Mental health should be regarded like any other disease, and people suffering from it should not be stigmatized. Awareness campaigns on mental health should be increased in the state, as many young and old people are struggling and in need of support.
The fight against addiction will be long and painful. As I write this, many families are battling the devastating effects of substance abuse. One can only hope that they emerge victorious and help their loved ones break free from the cycle of addiction.