Inaugurated just three months ago, the national drug treatment and rehabilitation center in Thimphu, Mitshey Yarab Lamzang, has already assisted over 250 individuals. It aims to provide comprehensive care for those struggling with substance use disorders, addressing both physical and mental health.
An individual in recovery has been at the centre for over a month. He was referred by the police. He shared that he became so consumed by substance use that his thoughts were entirely focused on acquiring and using drugs.
He said, “I was really good at school, and my parents supported me pretty well. But when I got involved with the wrong company, all I thought about was drugs and alcohol.”
His addiction affected not only his life but also those around him.
“My actions caused stress, depression, and worry for people around me. Even my spouse and child distanced themselves from me, and my family lost trust in me. After joining the centre, I came to understand that addiction is a disease that has a cure.”
Like other residents at Mitshey Yarab Lamzang, the center is helping him change.
His first 16 days were spent learning rules, regulations, and housekeeping skills. Now, he receives lessons on attitude, time management, and financial management. In addition to the classes, he participates in daily life skills activities and plays games.
Likewise, another resident has completed his treatment and plans to spend two weeks helping with the centre’s kitchen as a way of showing gratitude. He will soon leave the centre, returning to society sober and with a positive attitude.
He said, “I realised that my issues were not only about substance use but also my behavior and mindset. Coming here, I feel that if I had been in this programme earlier, I could have changed my life for the better.”
According to The PEMA Secretariat, the centre has the capacity to accommodate 200 in-patients and 300 out-patients. Currently, over 60 individuals are residing at the centre, most of whom were referred by the police.
“We have three H strategies at MitsheyYarabLamzang. The first is ‘Head’, changing the mindset, and redesigning the behaviour component. The second is ‘Heart’, building the resilience of children. And third is ‘Hand, ’ ensuring they have the skill to do and contribute towards nation building,” said Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of The PEMA Secretariat.
She added that to ensure residents reintegrate into society as contributing individuals, the centre plans to provide de-suung training.
As the centre continues to transform lives and offer individuals a chance to rebuild, it hopes for a future where no one suffers from substance use disorder.
Singye Dema
Edited by Sangay Chezom
