KOHIMA — Project Rest, a holistic daycare rehabilitation programme for individuals battling addiction by providing a safe sharing space, was inaugurated at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Tuesday.
The project is aimed at enabling the participants to maintain sobriety and break the cycle of relapses as well as facilitate them to lead fruitful and productive lives. The purpose of the project is to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help.
Dr. Sungtimen Jamir, nodal officer of Project Rest (NHAK), while dwelling on the rationale of the project, mentioned the goals and objectives of the project which are 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 and lastly to measure and evaluate the programme effectiveness.
He also apprised that the project is offering programmes and therapies such as tailored out-patient programmes, individual interventions and therapy related to couples, families and groups.
Suyimtenla Jamir, clinical psychologist of Tele MANAS, stressed on the importance of psychosocial intervention. She also shared the working system of the project which included detox and screening, consent and psycho-education, therapy and intervention and lastly ongoing support.
She informed that they had already started providing the services two months ago. She apprised that the number of participants who came forward to avail the facilities increased to 23 in July, compared to 2 in June.
The director (dental) of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Chiekhroshuyi Tetseo, who was also the chief guest, has termed the project as the need of the hour since there was a lack of awareness about substance abuse among the people.
While cautioning about the alarming rate of substance abuse among the younger generation in the state, he has stressed on the need to take stringent steps to stop the menace of addiction.
He suggested undertaking research on the project which could be integrated with social-religious practices. He expressed hope for a positive outcome with the inauguration of the project at NHAK and anticipated that the same would be replicated by various district hospitals across the state.
He further advised the officials to come up with a dedicated helpline so that substance users could reach out to them wherever they are.
The programme was chaired by Veronica Nriame, psychiatric social worker of DMHP, NHAK, while an invocation prayer was said by Vikepu Tepa, chaplain of NHAK.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Sendimeren Aonok, managing director of NHAK, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kethozenuo Mere, psychiatric nurse of DMHP, NHAK.
