SHILLONG, APR 14: The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) on Tuesday distributed skill development tools worth over Rs 9 lakh to four rehabilitation centres in a bid to prevent and reduce relapse among recovered drug users.
Addressing the event, DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing highlighted the alarming situation of heroin addiction in Meghalaya, particularly in Shillong.
“Most of the addicts are heroin users, and it’s the most dangerous drug we’ve encountered,” he said.
Kharshiing revealed that heroin users spend around Rs 2000-2500 per day to sustain their habit, with some requiring up to Rs 10,000 per day due to the recent price hike.
“The police efforts have reduced drug supply in Shillong, but it’s led to an increase in prices, pushing users to indulge in petty crimes and become peddlers to sustain their habit,” Kharshiing added.
To address this issue, DREAM has partnered with rehabilitation centres, ITIs, and vocational training institutions to provide skill training to recovered drug users or those undergoing rehabilitation.
“Our goal is to reduce the relapse rate, which is currently high at 70-80%,” Kharshiing said.
The skill development tools, worth Rs 9 lakh plus, will be used to impart training in bakery, food processing, plumbing, and wiring at four selected rehabilitation centres – New Hope (Men, Women), New Life De-addiction Centre (Men), and Asha Bhavan.
“This initiative reflects a shift towards holistic recovery – focusing not only on treatment, but also on dignity, self-reliance, and long-term reintegration into society,” Kharshiing emphasized.
DREAM will also provide support for recovered drug users to start their own businesses and become self-employed, with certification from ITI and job placement assistance.
“It’s better to invest Rs 9 lakh on vocational training than let them relapse and get more customers,” Kharshiing concluded.
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