Programme to Combat Substance Abuse

BACKGROUND
Rising trends of Substance Abuse in developing countries like India are a matter of primary health concern. Tobacco and liquor use are also accepted social practices compounding the problem. Added to which in the increasing number of HIV positive persons among drug users in NorthEast India. In the year 1994, CMAI took the initiative to bring church leaders, health professionals and agencies involved in addiction treatment together on a common platform to learn and discuss various issues involved with addiction. Thus started the National network CACSAN (Christian Agencies to Combat Substance Abuse Network) which now has over 350 members committed to the cause from various parts of the country.

PROBLEMS

Area
Issues related to Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco addiction; Addiction counselling; Harm Reduction with respect to IDUs; HIV/AIDS

Specific

• Lack of awareness about the causes and effects of addiction.
• Lack of counselling skills among church leaders while dealing with addicts and those affected.
• Need to address stigma related to addiction and HIV/AIDS.
• Advocacy – Implementation of FCTC in India.
• Conflicting views about the need to implement harm reduction techniques.

STRATEGY

• Sensitisation of church leaders, theological students and laity to promote awareness on harmful effects of addiction and equip them to be agents of healing to those individuals and families affected with addiction.

• Capacity building for churches and other agencies working in the field of Addiction Treatment and giving opportunities to learn and discuss with issues with the experts in the field of Addiction Treatment.

METHDOLOGY

Target group
The PCSA desk mainly works through Church leaders, pastors, theological students, counsellors, health professionals, and agencies working in the field of addiction and HIV/AIDS.

Process
The PCSA desk provides resource and skills through Workshops, seminars, training programs (1m, 3m, 5m & 1yr) & conferences. We also bring out a quarterly magazine called Addiction News.

OBJECTIVES

1. To sensitise members to respond to the different levels of exposure to substance abuse.
2. To develop the capacity of members to respond at various levels.
3. To integrate harm reduction in existing CACSAN programs and in the Community Health and Development Projects in North East India.

ACTIVITIES

• Workshops, seminars, training programs (1m, 3m, 5m & 1yr) & conferences,
• Quarterly magazine Addiction News.
• Co-ordinate activities of the National network CACSAN (Christian Agencies to Combat Substance Abuse).
• Regional level seminars / workshops conducted every year
• National Conference conducted once in two years.
• Development of modules, manuals, guidelines and policies

RESULTS

• A network of committed Christians involved in the field of addiction and HIV/AIDS.

• Church leaders, theological students trained in the field of addiction & HIV/AIDS.