Cases of young women addicted to drugs and alcohol are on the rise in
Meghalaya and the addiction might often lead them to plunge into the sex
trade. This was revealed in a joint survey by UNODC and an NGO Manbha
Foundation carried out in various parts of the city.

"During the three-month-long survey in 2008, we came across around 50
female drug users," Dr Rica Lamar, Director Manbha Foundation said

There are 17,833 drug users in Meghalaya with Jaintia Hills topping the
list with 5398 followed by East Khasi Hills 5113 and Ri-Bhoi district
with 2397, according to Dr Lamar.

"Once a person gets into the habit, she has to find means to support it
and could therefore get into commercial sex, exposing themselves to the
risk of HIV-AIDS," she said.

Lamenting the absence of a State-owned counseling-cum-health centre, she
said female alcoholics and addicts are often denied treatment
facilities.

--
Shri. Prashant Mahamuni
Organising Secretary,
Seva Bharati Meghalaya
Phone : +91 364 2221120