Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22:
An academic awareness programme on prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking was organized by the All Manipur Anti-Drug Association at RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School at Pangei this afternoon.
Speaking on substance abuse among adolescence and effect of psychotropic drugs, Dr K Shantibala, psychiatrist, JN Hospital, stated that in the age group of 11 to 20 years, peer pressures played a important role in both positive and negative character development of the child.
The same period is also a phase when the psychological, physical and social awakening of the person undergoes a high level of maturity.
Cognitive and personality development also reach the peak along with the urge to rebel, she said adding that parents and teachers should observe maximum vigil on their wards so that the youths does not fall into the web of drugs and substance abuse during this vulnerable period.
Substance abuse aversely affect the mood, memory and mental functioning of the body, so the adolescent should stay away from such harmful indulgence and use their creativity in constructive activities, she said.
Advocate Samarjit Hawaibam spoke on illicit trafficking while the vice-principal of the school, NK Joshi was present as host of the function.
According to AMADA, the association had so far held similar functions in many schools in different part of the valley districts.
The secretary of Human Resource Development of AMADA, N Binarani Chanu stated that her organization has initiated proposals to held similar functions in more places like Chandel, Jiri and Moreh by an expert team and extend it to more academic centres in every district of the state.
Eventually, AMADA wish to conduct a special programme under the title 'training of the trainers' by the expert team to doctors, health workers and law practitioners in the near future.