Akehda Amulung Kiphire, the Implementing Support Agency for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), in collaboration with the District Administration, organised an awareness programme on addiction followed by a plantation drive at the ZPC Auditorium, Kiphire, on Thursday.
The programme began with a welcome address by Longtili C Sangtam, founder of Akehda Amulung. An anti-drug pledge was administered by Irothe T Sangtam, Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, while interns Azila of Baptist College Kohima and Levi of ZPC Kiphire conducted the session.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life,” Commandant of 30 Assam Rifles, Col Rajiv Sharma, said addiction extends beyond substance abuse to include unhealthy habits and behaviours. He observed that many people turn to addiction while seeking relief from stress, loneliness and emotional pain.
Explaining the six stages of recovery, namely Denial, Awareness, Planning, Action, Relapse and Freedom, he said, “Recovery is a gradual journey that requires many small positive decisions every day,” adding that relapse should be viewed as an opportunity to begin again with determination.
He urged participants to strengthen family bonds, build healthy friendships, practise self-discipline and use technology responsibly, stressing that “every person has the ability to change.”
The programme concluded with certificate distribution, refreshments, a plantation drive and a vote of thanks.