Nagaland government honor de-addiction center for outstanding effort in combatting addiction

On October 27, 2024, La Ganesan Iyer, Governor of Nagaland, northeast India, felicitated a de-addiction center, run by the Catholic Church, for its contribution to individuals struggling with addiction, at Raj Bhavan (the governor's palace).

Father Dr. Joe Mariadhas, director of Shalom (peace) Rehabilitation Centre, received a certificate of appreciation from the governor.

The Catholic Church of Nagaland's Christian answer to the drug and substance addiction crisis in Chumukedima, Dimapur, Nagaland, northeast India, is the Shalom Rehabilitation Centre.

Since 1993, the center's commitment to human dignity and Christian care motivates it to play a role in eradicating addictive structures from society. It is a place where people can choose to heal and relive their lives.

It helps addicts and their loved ones overcome their addictive thoughts and actions and supports their efforts to maintain sobriety.

The therapeutic presence of Shalom, which goes by the motto "together we can," has helped many people and families deal with the issue of substance abuse and put them on the road to recovery.

Father Mariadhas said, "Shalom touches, changes, and saves the lives of chemically dependent persons and their families, enabling them to recover and relive without substances."

The residential program lasts for around four months as part of healing and recovery, explains the priest. 

“We believe in the potential for life reconstruction and the power of transformation through pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological interventions,” he added.

Shalom Rehabilitation Centre is the initiative of the Diocese of Kohima (Catholic Church).

Medical Mission Sisters (MMS) and Medical Sisters of St. Joseph (MSJ) collaborate in the ministry of restoring human lives with chemical dependency in healing missions.