The Government of Mizoram on Thursday launched a dedicated detoxification centre named Hulhliap near the capital city of Aizawl. The inauguration, led by Social Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii, coincided with the observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The centre, located at the Synod Revival Camping Centre in Neihbawi, is designed to serve as a short-stay detox facility with a capacity to accommodate around 200 individuals at a time. It will be staffed by trained medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and counsellors, offering comprehensive detoxification and psychological support to drug users.
Addressing the gathering at the launch event, Minister Lalrinpuii spoke candidly about the urgency of the problem. “Addiction is part of a disease which can be cured. That is why the government has set up this short-stay detoxification centre—to offer a new chance at life for those who want to break free from drug use,” she said.
She also appealed directly to those undergoing treatment. “You must take this opportunity to amend yourselves and stay away from drugs. Recovery is possible when we decide to change,” she urged.
According to health officials, the initial detox programme will last 15 days, during which patients will undergo supervised medical treatment and participate in structured psychosocial counselling sessions. The intervention will focus not only on physical withdrawal management but also on emotional healing and spiritual guidance.
After the detox phase, individuals will either be released to their families or referred to long-term rehabilitation centres for continued care and reintegration into society.
Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar, who was also present at the event, emphasized the need for a collective societal approach in the fight against drug abuse. He called upon religious institutions, particularly churches in Mizoram, to play a more active role. “Those who have not used drugs should never even try it,” he warned. “Churches, families, and the community must come together to support those in recovery and prevent others from falling into addiction.”
Mizoram has long battled with high rates of drug use, particularly among its youth. According to data from the Excise Department, 29 people have already died due to drug-related causes this year, including six women. Since the first heroin-related death was recorded in 1984, the state has lost 1,908 lives, including 234 women, to substance abuse.
