Parents need to track 'early symptoms' of drug intake by children : Meghalaya BJP leader Mariahom Kharkrang

Early starters always have advantage. 

This is also true for parents and guardians if they want to check, prevent and eradicate drug menace among children and people of younger generation. 

Not waiting for things to happen... and concerned over drug menace in Shillong; SENG KYNTHEI OF TYRNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH included 'Awareness on Drugs' as their main theme.

The awareness programme was conducted of mostly mothers on the symptoms of drugs intake / causes.

The early remedial measures were also discussed.

It was a very good interactive session. Reports reaching New Delhi said the participating mothers  vowed not to allow drugs to make inroads into their homes and villages. 

Meghalaya BJP spokesman Mariahom Kharkrang spoke on the occasion.

In his brief speech, the former IPS officer pointed out that many a times parents get to know "very late" of their child’s drug abuse.

Hence, he emphasised that the parents and especially mothers should struggla dn ensure to know the symptoms of early drug intake so that corrective action can be taken on time.

Importantly, he said, "parents should be ready to listen to their children if they have problems. This will also bring a bonding between children and parents and in the process the younger lot will keep the drug menace at bay".  

In December 2024, the Meghalaya government admitted that the state is grappling with a serious drug abuse crisis, with an estimated 10% of its total population.

That means an estimated 3 lakh people are reported to be drug users. 

Meghalaya Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh revealed the alarming statistics and also highlighted that the majority of the drug users are youth between the ages of 15 and 29.

Of course, out of the national average, Meghalaya accounts for 0.8% users of inhalants. 

About 0.12% of the population is reported to be using hallucinogens. Use of drugs through injecting route is a significant public health concern because of the associated risk of spread of infections like HIV and Hepatitis C and B.  

Sizable number of people in East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya have HIV Positive, reports say.  

The East Jaintia Hills District consists of 2 (two) Assembly Constituencies, viz., 5-Sutnga Saipung (ST) and 6-Khliehriat (ST) and both the assembly constituencies fall under 1-Shillong (ST) Parliamentary Constituency.

ends