Naga Hospital Authority Kohima launches Project Rest

August 23, 2023 29 Views No Comment

An interventional programme to address substance dependency

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 23

‘Project Rest’- an intervention programme to address alcohol and substance dependency in Nagaland, was launched today at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK).

It was launched during the Foundation Day of ‘Project Rest’ by Dr Chiekhroshuyi Tetseo, Director (Dental), Directorate of Health & Family Welfare.

Dr Tetseo expressed confidence that the interventional programme would greatly benefit the people of Nagaland. While raising concern on the alarming rate of substance abuse in Nagaland,

he emphasized the need to take substance abuse seriously and intervening effectively.

The Director suggested establishing a dedicated helpline to address the issue.

Earlier, Dr Sendimeren Aonok, Managing Director, NHAK delivered the welcome address.

Veronica Nriame, Psychiatric social worker, DMHP, NHAK chaired the programme. Vikepu Tepa, chaplain NHAK invoked God’s blessings. Vote of thanks was proposed by Kethozenuo Mere, Psychiatric nurse, DMHP, NHAK.

About ‘Project Rest’
Dr. Sungtimen Jamir, Nodal Officer, Project Rest NHAK and Suyimtenla Jamir, Clinical Psychologist Tele MANAS talked on background and intervention of ‘Project Rest.’

The Project Rest aims to establish a holistic daycare rehabilitation programme for individuals battling through addiction by providing a safe sharing space for affected individuals and families.

The goal of the project is to facilitate comprehensive recovery, promote physical well-being, enhance psychological and emotional well-being, develop life skills and vocational competencies, support social reintegration and community connection, provide ongoing aftercare and relapse prevention support etc.

‘Project Rest’ initiative is a collaborative effort which will address the growing concerns of alcohol abuse and drug use in the state.

A team of professionals will provide interventions to individuals abusing/dependent on alcohol or harmful substances.

In addition, the team will render assistance to the recovering individuals post OST, Detox or rehabilitation to aid their abstinence and maintain sobriety.

In response to the alarming rise of addiction across Nagaland, Project Rest has emerged as a groundbreaking humanitarian initiative designed to tackle the root causes of addiction and offer evidence-based psychosocial interventions by a team of trained clinical psychologists, a psychologist, a psychiatric social worker and psychiatric nurse.

With addiction affecting individuals, families, and communities, this comprehensive programme aims to make a significant impact on society’s battle against substance abuse.

Project Rest will focus on providing improved access to treatment and support services, facilitating sustained recovery and reintegration into the community through the establishment of support systems and the promotion of healthy coping mechanisms.

The project will also address the societal and environmental factors contributing to addiction. At its core, Project Rest recognizes the complexity of addiction and seeks to foster healthier communities by regulating the use of addictive substances.

The ultimate goal of Project Rest is to establish a holistic day-care rehabilitation programme that not only aids individuals in overcoming addiction but also empowers them to maintain their recovery and prevent relapse.

Higher than national average
Alcohol consumption in Nagaland, among people in the age group of 15-49 years, is higher than the national average, as per the latest NFSH-5 report.

In addition, tobacco use in Nagaland was also much higher than the all-India average.

As per the report, 31% of men in the age 15-49 years consume alcohol in Nagaland as against the national average of 22.4%. The report also showed that 1.4% of the female in the same age group consumes alcohol in Nagaland against national average of 0.7%.

The history of substance abuse in Nagaland dates back to the late 80s with rampant use of substance among the youths. Being located adjacent to the Golden Triangle, there was easy availability of drugs in the state, which led to the high rise of substance use.

Dr Jamir informed that there are approximately 22,000 PWIDs (Injecting drug users) in Nagaland as per NACO report.
There are around 1700 registered clients in Kohima for various Substitution and Maintenance therapies & programmes.