People who use drugs say the general population usually despise them, often followed by discrimination in every sphere of life. This was shared by participants during the first-of-its-kind active drug user network workshop held in the capital, yesterday. The workshop organised by the Chithuen Phendhey Association was aimed at addressing challenges like drug policies, practices, and discrimination faced by people who use drugs.
About 30 participants attended the workshop. Participants shared their struggles of overcoming addiction and discrimination.
According to the Chithuen Phendhey Association, the workshop creates a safe space for participants to share their experiences and learn strategies to overcome the obstacles they encounter.
Some participants shared during the session that they even faced sexual harassment while serving prison terms.
“I made a mistake once and served a prison term of five years. After we get out, it is difficult to get security clearance and due to that, there are high chances that we might go back into this line. I know about a few people who went back to this line because of being unable to receive security clearance,” said Chimi, a participant.
“There is discrimination even among users. My husband was arrested by the police and is currently in prison. Other users are sent for counselling, but this option was not given to my husband,” said a participant.
When asked if such workshops help, the participant said that such an event is helpful and needed for affected people like her as it is the only place where they can share their stories without anyone judging them.
A similar follow-up workshop will be conducted to discuss the concerns and issues raised during the workshop before a proposal to address the challenges faced by people who use drugs is raised to the government.
The Chithuen Phendhey Association is a Civil Society Organisation that works towards improving the quality of life of recovering individuals and provides guidance to individuals with drug use disorders.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sherub Dorji
