SHILLONG: The lockdown has caused various difficulties to people but it also adversely affected drug smuggling. Not anymore as the lockdown is being eased across the country.
The president of Meghalaya Users Forum, Neil Khongwir, said proper lockdown lowered drug smuggling and the inter-state restrictions also helped. But the problem has started again.
“During lockdown smuggling was reduced but it was still available. The price of drugs just went up,” Khongwir said when asked whether there were any surreptitious activities during lockdown.
The number of drug users in the state is spiking, he added. With drugs starting to spread its ugly tentacles into the society, there is also an increase in number of addicts opting for treatment. “The number of drug addicts going for treatment has increased though the cost of drugs has gone up,” Khongwir said. The age group of drug users is from 18-40 years. There are a handful of women drug addicts too but because of stigma they do not come out, Khongwir said. On the other hand, drug addicts are facing problems because of the pandemic as it is difficult to get treatment.
“Reformed addicts are not many as it is evident from those who come for narcotics anonymous meetings,” he said.
Disheartening situation is for children who are addicts as they become helpless. Private doctors opt for detoxification and give treatment but poor children cannot afford private doctors and there is no government project to cater to them.
Khongwir said, “There is no government project for children less than 18 years of age. Children resort to substance abuse as early as 12 or 13 years of age.”
Free detoxification is also offered but not to all due to lack of funds.
During the lockdown, the forum also distributed food to drug addicts.
Manbha and VHAM gave away rations to affected families.
