Recovery Starts With Help: SMCH Marks International Day Against Drug Abuse

Not long ago a viral video showing people from different walks of life, including young people, adults, men and women, injecting drugs at various locations across Silchar sent shockwaves through the Barak Valley, exposing the scale of substance abuse that often remains hidden from public view. While the footage alarmed many residents, experts say treatment and rehabilitation services are already available for those willing to seek help, although only a fraction of people affected by addiction are currently receiving care.

To spread awareness about addiction, treatment and recovery, the Department of Psychiatry and the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre of Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), in collaboration with Cachar Police, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Friday (June 26). The programme brought together doctors, police officials, academicians and social workers, who highlighted the need for early intervention, public awareness and easier access to treatment for people struggling with substance dependence.

Among those present were SMCH Principal Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Cachar Superintendent of Police Sanjib Kumar Saikia, Head of the Department of Psychiatry Dr Prasenjit Ghosh, Deputy Superintendent Dr Ajit Dey, Excise Inspector Fazlul Zubaid, OST Centre Nodal Officer Dr Raju Sah, Assam University Dean of Life Science Dr P. B. Mazumder, Associate Professor and In-charge Head of the Department of Social Work Dr Elvin Joseph, Keshab Smarak Samiti president Subhrangshu Bhattacharjee and Medical Officer of the OST Centre Dr Suman Baidya.

Addressing the gathering, Cachar SP Sanjib Kumar Saikia, who has previously worked extensively against drug trafficking, said the district administration and police have seized drugs and other contraband worth around Rs 320 crore in the last two years. He reiterated the police’s commitment to continuing action against the illegal drug trade.

Speaking about addiction treatment, Dr Suman Baidya explained that the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) Centre helps people with opioid dependence by providing medically supervised treatment using safer substitute medicines, along with regular monitoring and counselling. He said the programme is designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping patients gradually stabilise their condition and return to their daily lives.

He also warned about the dangers of injecting drugs, saying they significantly increase the risk of infections such as HIV and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. For people attempting to overcome addiction, the centre also provides oral medicines where appropriate under medical supervision. Patients are required to visit regularly, take medicines as prescribed and continue follow-up treatment while maintaining their normal daily lives.

To improve access to treatment, Dr Baidya said the OST Centre has established three satellite centres at Dholai, Kalain and Lakhipur. Patients initially undergo assessment and dose stabilisation at SMCH before they can collect their medicines from the satellite centres closer to their homes.

Referring to substances increasingly being abused, Dr Baidya echoed concerns raised earlier by Dr Prasenjit Ghosh regarding products such as dendrite adhesive, which can be easily purchased and misused by children. Dr Ghosh also spoke about xylazine, a veterinary tranquilliser approved only for use in animals such as horses, cattle and deer. He cautioned that when abused by humans it can cause extreme sedation, making individuals appear motionless, leading to its popular nickname, the “zombie drug”.

Responding to a question about a viral video that showed people from different age groups allegedly injecting drugs in various parts of Silchar, Dr Baidya said there is no scientific study to determine the exact number of drug users in the district. However, based on the centre’s experience, he estimated that only around 20 to 30 per cent of people struggling with addiction may be receiving help.

He said that since the OST Centre was established in 2019, a total of 1,940 patients have been registered up to 2026. Initially, the programme focused on people who injected drugs but it now also treats individuals using opioids through the nasal route. Despite these numbers, he described the registered patients as “just the tip of the iceberg”, adding that many continue to hide their addiction from family members or fail to attend treatment regularly.

Dr Baidya emphasised that awareness campaigns play an important role in encouraging people to seek medical help. He said many patients have approached the centre after attending awareness programmes or learning about treatment options through others. Awareness not only helps people already struggling with addiction but also discourages young people from experimenting with drugs in the first place.

Describing opioid substitution therapy as the best available medical approach for opioid dependence at present, he urged individuals battling addiction to seek professional treatment instead of suffering in silence.

Speaking about the role of the media in combating drug abuse, Dr Baidya said greater coverage of addiction, treatment and recovery can encourage more people to seek help and create wider public awareness. He observed that issues such as substance abuse often receive less attention than comparatively trivial matters in the media. Expressing hope for the future, he said increased focus on drug addiction and rehabilitation could help educate the public, reduce stigma and encourage more people struggling with addiction to access treatment.

Dr Baidya also highlighted improvements in rehabilitation services across Assam. He said the state government has introduced standard operating procedures and minimum requirements for rehabilitation centres, including the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and adequate facilities. According to him, these measures have strengthened the quality of care provided to people seeking recovery from addiction.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26 June. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to strengthen international action against drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. The day aims to promote prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and cooperation among governments and communities while encouraging evidence-based approaches to reducing the harmful effects of drug use.