CADA organises academic awareness programme on drug abuse at Kumari High School

As part of its ongoing campaign to combat the rising menace of drug abuse among youth, the Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA) organised an academic awareness programme at Kumari High School, Hiyangthang in Imphal West. The event was held at 1:00 PM under the theme “Impact of Drug Use Among Adolescents.”
The awareness programme was conducted as part of CADA’s broader outreach efforts under its continuing campaign to educate young minds about the dangers of drug addiction. The event was attended by school officials, civil society members, and community volunteers.
The programme was chaired by K. Sanatomba Kabui, Headmaster of Kumari High School, and joined by Ningthoujam Doren, Vice President of CADA, and Kongbrailakpam Bina, Secretary General of CADA Imphal West District Committee, as presidium members. Takhallambam Geetchandra Meitei, Secretary General of CADA, served as the resource person.
In his keynote address, Ningthoujam Doren expressed concern over the increasing number of youth falling prey to drugs and the growing influence of synthetic narcotics in the state. He urged the community to treat the situation as a social emergency, calling for joint efforts from clubs and Meira Paibi groups in every locality to tackle the issue.
Delivering a detailed presentation, resource person Takhallambam Geetchandra Meitei used a slide show to explain the various stages of addiction, emphasizing that early use often leads to long-term dependency. He warned that even one-time experimentation with drugs could trigger addiction, and regular use drastically increases the risk. He also pointed out that once addicted, rehabilitation becomes difficult and can severely affect the user’s life, family, and community.
Geetchandra further stated that drug use among adolescents is not just a health issue but a serious threat to society. He stressed that efforts to prevent drug abuse must start at home and within the community through collective vigilance and early intervention. According to him, the current situation calls for parents, teachers, and elders to become more involved and aware of the realities of substance abuse.
CADA also underlined that the issue cannot be solved through sporadic efforts but requires a unified and sustained community response. The organisation reiterated its stand that the use of intoxicants should not be treated casually or symbolically but confronted head-on with seriousness, commitment, and a strong will for change.
The event concluded with an appeal to all stakeholders—students, parents, teachers, and local organisations—to unite in the fight against drugs and protect Manipur’s future generations from the scourge of addiction.