Shillong, June 26 (IANS) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday said that the state’s DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action) Mission has evolved from a government initiative into a people’s movement, bringing together communities, institutions and organisations in a coordinated fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The initiative is the Meghalaya government’s flagship mission aimed at preventing drug abuse, strengthening rehabilitation, creating awareness, supporting recovery, and coordinating efforts among government departments, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, civil society organisations and communities.

Addressing the state-level observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Shillong, Sangma said the campaign seeks to replace the stigma associated with addiction with compassion and empathy while strengthening efforts to eliminate drug misuse and organised trafficking.

“This day unites governments, communities, educators and faith-based organisations in a shared mission to eradicate drug misuse, end illicit drug trafficking and replace the stigma of addiction with compassion and empathy,” the Chief Minister said.

He noted that while several organisations and individuals have long been working against substance abuse, their efforts often lacked coordination. The DREAM Mission, he said, has brought these stakeholders together under a common platform to ensure greater collaboration and impact.

Sangma stressed that awareness alone would not be enough and called for concrete action. He said the government is extending support to organisations and individuals working in the field of prevention, rehabilitation and awareness, adding that public participation is crucial for the movement’s long-term success.

“The movement against drug abuse cannot succeed unless common people become active participants. We are here not only to appreciate the efforts of stakeholders but also to listen to their suggestions and strengthen this collective mission,” he said.

The Chief Minister also observed that addiction is not limited to narcotic substances, saying people today face different forms of dependency, including excessive screen time, mobile phone usage and compulsive shopping.

“Everyone has room for improvement and everyone needs help at some point in life,” he remarked.

During the programme, Sangma administered an anti-drug pledge and inaugurated the Centre of Evolution at Reid Provincial Chest Hospital, which will provide medical treatment, counselling, therapy and rehabilitation support for individuals battling addiction.

Financial assistance was distributed to several organisations working in drug de-addiction and rehabilitation, while awards were presented to recovery champions, community champions and outreach workers.

The Recovery Track Portal was launched, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Social Welfare Department, DREAM and SEWA Inland, Tura.

The event also featured technical sessions on disrupting drug trafficking, strengthening school-based prevention mechanisms and improving early intervention and treatment for substance use disorders.

–IANS

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