One of the resource person speaking at the workshop program
DIMAPUR, JUY 13 (MExN): District Mental Health program (DMHP), Phek with New Covenant Ministry conducted a two-day workshop from July 11- 12 for the formation of ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ at District Hospital, Phek.
During the workshop, Dr Along Pongen, Nodal Officer for DMPH pointed out that alcoholics encounter several problems which does not only affects physical health but affects mental, emotional and psychological health as well. He also shared the challenges of dealing with alcoholics and emphasised that use of abuse substances affects not only themselves but the people who lives with them.
Resource person, Imlisungkum briefly sketched that history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) started in the year 1935, which was co-founded by Bill W and Dr Bob. He also noted that several AA group is effectively functioning in Nagaland with the church along with many support groups.
Moatemsu, another resource person stated that AA group is for like-minded people who want to recover. It typically consists of ‘closed’ or ‘open’ meetings. He also shared that because of weak support system, alcoholics often relapse.
Therefore recovering from drug or alcohol addiction requires willpower and especially the recovery group support. He also explained the spiritual principles of twelve steps of AA and noted that AA 12 steps embody biblical teachings. Lastly AA meeting was demonstrated and emphasis was given on the purpose of AA meeting that all members have to share their experience with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help each other from alcoholism.
