Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) will open a Drop-in-Centre in Wangdue Phodrang end of this month in a move aimed at tackling the emerging needs of drug and alcohol dependents in the town.
Last year, the BNCA received 11 referrals for compulsory treatment in a rehabilitation centre from police in Wangdue. But in 2015, the figure hit 52.
The BNCA attributes the trend to the rapid developmental activities the dzongkhag has been seeing in the recent years.
“The upcoming of Bajo town as well as the start of the two mega hydro projects, Punatsangchhu 1 and 2, have led to an increase in the population resulting in the rise of social vices such as crimes and substance abuse,” said Karma Tenzin who is a programme officer with BNCA.
Drop-in-Centres, according to the Authority, cater to the drug and alcohol dependent population for early detection. Such centres also facilitate and encourage the users to seek rehabilitation services. It is managed by certified peer counsellors.
“People struggle to get information on substance abuse. They are also not aware from where to get treatment and other rehabilitation services,” add Karma Tenzin. But with the establishment of Drop-in-Centre, they will have somewhere to turn to seek help.
Today, there are seven Drop-in-Centres across the country out of which four are under Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority.
