By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 1: In response to a rising wave of community-led action against drug abuse, the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) on Thursday held a crucial meeting with members of various Seng Samla Shnongs at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong.
The meeting was convened following a series of incidents in which youth groups across Shillong had actively apprehended drug users and facilitated their admission into rehabilitation centres. While acknowledging these efforts as commendable, DREAM stressed the need for structured intervention and professional guidance to sustain and support the initiative.
During the meeting, DREAM announced that trained professional counsellors would be brought in to work directly with the Seng Samla. The move is aimed at equipping youth volunteers with the necessary skills to handle addiction-related situations safely and responsibly, while also addressing the psychological dimensions of substance abuse. Discussions focused on the mental health challenges faced by both drug users and those working on the ground. Officials stressed that empowering the youth with knowledge and emotional resilience would not only improve outcomes for affected individuals but also safeguard the well-being of the volunteers themselves.
The session marked a collaborative step towards bridging the gap between community action and professional support systems. With growing public concern over the drug menace, DREAM officials called for wider awareness and stronger partnerships across society to realise the vision of a drug-free Meghalaya.
