SHILLONG, Feb 18: A fresh episode of the ongoing podcast, ‘Adolescents Unfiltered’ hosted by the Health department, titled, ‘Teens vs Addiction’ delved into the rampant drug usage that is a cause of concern, not only in the city, but the state at large.
In the podcast, Jerrimaiah Nongrum, Secretary of the Meghalaya Users Forum, and Arborlang Thankhiew, Project Manager of YRO Care, Prison Intervention Meghalaya, shared their journeys of drug use and recovery shedding light on the pervasive issue of addiction among adolescents while under-scoring the need for community driven solutions.
Jerrimaiah emphasised that addiction is a disease affecting a person in three ways — Mental, Physical and Spiritual.
He described how addiction consumes the mind, triggers physical cravings, and leads to spiritual disconnection. While addiction is incurable, it can be treated with proper support.
During the conversation, it was highlighted that drugs do not discriminate; they affect people from all backgrounds.
The podcast, further delved into signs of addiction include isolation, changes in friend groups, lying, and moodiness when confronted.
Arbor Thangkhiew mentioned losing interest in things they once loved while emphasising that parents should monitor their adolescents’ behavior and finances for suspicious items, and educate them about drug abuse to have open discussions with their children.
The podcast also discussed how both the speakers got into the usage of drugs.
Both speakers advocated for comprehensive community engagement to combat addiction, emphasising education, rehabilitation, and destigmatisation.
