A REPORTER

SHILLONG : The epidemic of substance use and dependence has reached an alarming dimension in the world, with statistics painting a very grim picture of the situation.

Data from across the world has revealed that substance use and dependence across the world has generated turnover of around $500 billion, it is the third largest business in the world, next to petroleum and arms trade.

According to a UN report, One million heroin addicts are registered in India. Cannabis, heroin and Indian-produced pharmaceutical drugs are the most frequently abused drugs in India apart from alcohol. The introduction of synthetic drugs and intravenous drug use leading to HIV/AIDS has added a new dimension to the problem, especially in the Northeast states of the country.

With this in mind the department of Psychology, Martin Luther Christian University today organised a one-day seminar on the topic, "Substance Dependence: Prevention and Remedial Action", in the University campus. The Seminar has been organised with the intent of educating the future counsellors and social workers to the harsh realities of substance dependence.

The seminar hosted resource persons from the health care, law enforcement, rehabilitation and spiritual aspects which included renowned psychiatrist of the state Dr E Mukhim, Dr J Lynghoh, clinical psychologist, Rebina Subba, Advocate, Davis R. Marak, IPS, SP, East Khasi Hills, Father George, Director, Siloam, Rev. David Jamir. Dr. Mukhim while speaking during one of the session stressed on the importance and urgency of a state drug policy that can not only regulate but also make our state a drug-free zone. He added that dependents have either a mental or an emotional issue that mostly leads them towards a substance dependency.