The program on Substance Abuse & HIV was held on 13th April 2023 with the presence of Miss Rhiedolcy, Sir Wallambok, and Miss Genesis, Bro. Barnabas, Manager, students of Food & Beverage Service Associate B2, Carpentry department, Martin Luther college students. Ms. Iohun Dhar from the Department of Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya (Project Manager) and Mr. Ajoy M Lanong ( Assistant Director) from Meghalaya AIDS Control Society were the resource persons for the day.

 The program started with an opening speech shared by Miss Rhiedolcy, she welcomed the guests who were members of the Voluntary Health Association of Meghalaya and Meghalaya AIDS Control Society and briefed about the day's program to the students.

 Ms. Iohun Dhar shared the facts of substance abuse and its ill effects on an individual's life. She further stressed the stages of using substances and additions. A person becomes dependent on the substance that ruins a healthy lifestyle. Some of the symptoms are increased intolerance, sleepless nights and aggressiveness, and dependency on others. 

She further says one should avoid using a substance as many are additive. Every individual needs to have good company and should not be tempted by friends who are indulging in drugs. Additions in any form are very difficult to give up if an individual has no willpower and determination. Drug addiction can start with the experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, drug use becomes more frequent. The present generation is getting into habits of taking substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine despite the harm it causes.

Some of the problems faced by addicts are Problems at school or work, Physical health issues, Neglected appearance, Changes in behavior, Money issues f

Continuing this program a speech Mr. Ajoy M exhorted the trainees not to be scared to know about HIV/AIDS. He explained how HIV is spread and what trainees must do not to be victims of HIV. He gave guidance on the DO'S and DONT'S on HIV, so that having a good knowledge about it will able trainees to enjoy robust health and excel in their careers. Mr. Ajoy also emphasized the implications and challenges faced by people with HIV. He urged trainees to be more compassionate and learn not to look down or discriminate against people living with it. He explained the routes of HIV transmission that is a Pregnant mother who is infected with HIV to an unborn child, Unprotected sex, an Infected syringe, and Blood transfusion. People contract HIV by sharing the same needle, unprotected sexual intercourse, etc. He encourages trainees not to feel shy but to have an open discussion with their peer group, family member, and others. The HIV-infected person may have symptoms like weight loss, eyes will turn darker, diarrhea, and other infections. He also said that the red ribbon sign symbolizes support for those with the disease.

In conclusion, he said if there are people with problems, they can go to professional counselors at different centers located in the state and he assured that individual health status is strictly maintained and confidential.

The sessions were interesting and trainees found it very informative and educative.