SHILLONG, June 27: Amid the frenzy of bustling programmes in the state capital and elsewhere in the state to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Thursday, a small and meaningful function was also held in SANKER – Centre for Mental Health and Neurology, Mawroh, Shillong.
Dwelling on the theme Breaking the Chains: Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for All, Dr D Khonglah (Psychiatrist), who was the first keynote speaker, elaborated on addiction as chronic disorder of the brain resulting in chronic compulsive behaviour including the craving for drugs leading to addiction. The second keynote speaker, Dr Jasmine Lyngdoh (Clinical Psychologist), made a presentation on ‘Addiction in Vulnerable Groups’. The chief guest, Most Rev Dr Purely Lyngdoh, representing both Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) and the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) calls on all stakeholders to lend their support to SANKER and its noteworthy services.
He also challenged each individual to make an effort in reaching out and helping one addict at a time, while emphasising that together with the expert treatment from medical institutions like SANKER, one should also put their trust in God. The programme also included testimonies, presentations and sharing of experiences from the recovering patients as well as the parents too.
Later, SANKER Director Dr Sandi Syiem led an interactive session of ‘Feedback and the Way Forward’ which saw enthusiastic participation of members of the audience which included Shullai Progressive School , MLP Public School, Shelter Homes (boys and girls), Reach Shillong Ministry, Ferrando Transit Shelter Home, SOS Village, KJCLF, SAFF, Jingiaseng Kynthei Nongkrem District, Temperance Committee Mawlai District, FGF, recovering patients, family of patients, Dr Meena Sehdev, president of Sikh Istri Satsang, Sri Guru Singh Sabha.
