De-addiction centre brings ray of hope as 20 addicts return to mainstream

Amid rising concerns about drug abuse, the psychiatry and de-addiction centre at the District Civil Hospital has emerged as a ray of hope for people battling addiction to drugs. Since its inception in June 2023, the centre has successfully rehabilitated nearly 20 drug addicts, bringing them back into the mainstream of society. Four of these persons have volunteered to motivate other drug addicts to follow the same path to recovery.

The centre operates with a 20-bed facility and an OPD. The centre has catered to over 8,000 patients through its OPD, admission and follow-up services. Led by Dr Saubhagya S Kaushik, medical officer and in-charge of the centre, the health facility offers not only medication, but holistic counselling and recreational therapy too.

“Our mission is to bring addicts back into mainstream of society with compassion and care,” said Dr Kaushik. “We have a trained team that engages in continuous counselling. We focus on recreational activities to divert patients mind from addiction.”

However, the journey is not without its hurdles. Dr Kaushik acknowledged the issue of relapse among some patients who discontinue treatment midway. “While many stay committed, some drop out and that remains one of our biggest challenges. But we follow such patients and motivate them to restart the treatment,” she said.

Among those, who have left drugs, is a 38-year-old city resident, once addicted to opium, doda post and tobacco, but now he is motivating others to shun drugs. “With consistent counselling by the staff and doctors, I managed to overcome my addiction. Now, I am encouraging others to do the same,” he said proudly.

Another recovering addict, a local e-rickshaw driver, shared his experience. He said, “I was addicted to alcohol and tobacco for years. Thanks to efforts of the centre’s staff and doctors. I no longer crave for them. I owe my new life to their support.”

Similarly, a 23-year-old

e-rickshaw driver, formerly addicted to multiple substances, credited doctors and staff of the centre for his recovery and said he was now focusing on rebuilding his life.

The centre commonly treats patients addicted to alcohol, tobacco, smack, chitta, pharmaceutical drugs, doda post and others. As per Dr Kaushik, patients often come with multiple substance dependencies.

The initiative has also brought relief to families which previously had no affordable options. A 48-year-old woman, whose husband is recovering at the centre, said, “Earlier, we relied on private rehab centres where we had to spend a lot, but this government-run facility is a blessing for families like us.”

Dr Kaushik praised the government’s continued support and effective implementation of drug de-addiction policies at the grassroots level by the Health Department.

Haryana Tribune