Around 23 peer counsellors and outreach workers from Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang, Samdrup Jongkhar and Phuentshogling took part in de-addiction workshop.
The 10-day workshop ended in Paro, yesterday.
The workshop looked at how to connect and communicate with alcohol and drug dependents.
One of the main challenges, the participants felt was, making those suffering from addictions express freely. “It’s very difficult for us to build a rapport with them because they are always in a tense mood,” said a Peer Counsellor, Ngawang Tshering.
Another Peer Counsellor, Chador Pem said the victims fear rejections. “Victims fear that if they come to us for help, the community will look down on them.”
The participants also expressed that financial funds was another major issue.
Along with improving their capacities against such problems, participants also attended lectures, discussions and practical lessons for better communication.
The Programme Officer with the Ministry of Health, Thinley Chogyel, said the workshop is an opportunity for the participants to improve their skills and techniques. Though most of the counsellors themselves have gone through the struggle, he says, experience alone is not enough while dealing with others with same problem.
The Workshop was organised by the Department of Public Health under the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Chithuen Phendhey Tshogpa.
