Yupia, Apr 25: A day-long training program for master volunteers under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was held successfully on Friday at the panchayat hall, here.

The event was organised by the Papum Pare district administration in partnership with the state level coordinating agency (SLCA), Kripa Foundation.

Inaugurating the program, Papum Pare deputy commissioner Jiken Bomjen highlighted the crucial role of such training in tackling addiction at individual, family, and community levels.

He pointed out the serious impact of substance abuse on families, especially the youth, and urged collective community efforts to address the growing threat. He also emphasised that ensuring a drug-free future for the youth is a shared responsibility of all citizens.

SLCA project coordinator Bendang Imsong led a detailed session on understanding addiction. He discussed different categories of drugs, challenges during withdrawal, the detoxification process, and strategies for relapse prevention.

Imsong also underlined the importance of de-addiction centres and the need for spreading awareness to combat drug abuse effectively.

Counseling psychologist Daewon Nongrem provided insights into the psychological and social aspects of addiction. He shared practical advice on engaging with individuals affected by addiction and responded to questions from the volunteers, making the session interactive and informative.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the master volunteers, reinforcing their commitment to the mission. Participants also took a pledge for a drug-free India. The program ended with concluding remarks from health assistant (ICDS) Gonya Riba.

The training marks a significant step forward in strengthening NMBA initiatives in the district, equipping volunteers with the tools and understanding necessary to foster a healthier, drug-free community.