Guwahati: Aashroy EVE, a new de-addiction and rehabilitation centre dedicated to women, will be formally inaugurated at Baghorbori in Guwahati on February 14, in response to the growing problem of substance abuse among women and girls in Assam.
The facility has been set up to address what experts describe as a significant gap in treatment and care, as the number of women affected by substance use disorders continues to rise.
Elaborating on the serious challenge, Rabiul Islam, Managing Trustee of Centre for Substance Abuse Prevention & Care (CSAPC), said addiction amongst both men and women is increasing despite wider awareness about its harmful effects.
Islam, who has been working in this field since 1995, said, “There is a huge mismatch between the huge number of addicts and caregivers for their treatment.”
Citing the National Survey of 2019, Islam said Assam has an estimated 3 lakh people suffering from addiction, while only around 5,000 are currently receiving treatment in rehabilitation centres and other facilities across the state.
He said substance addiction is a hidden, stigma-linked illness, with women facing greater hardship as social taboos prevent many victims and their families from seeking support. “Many women and their families suffer in silence because they do not know where to seek help,” he said.
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He expressed hope that Aashroy EVE would help bridge part of this gap and become part of the solution to the growing crisis. “Even when the situation looks grim, the only way forward is with hope and faith,” he said.
Aashroy EVE will operate as a 15-bed residential facility, with provisions for future expansion based on its demand.
