The Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency’s (BCNA) Drop-in Centre in Phuentshogling stays as busy as the town.
On an average, eight to 10 people visit the centre every day. According to the officials of the centre, many suffering from substance and alcohol addiction come to seek help from the center.
However, limited staff and space are making it challenging for the center to keep up with the increasing number of clients.
The centre’s incharge, Karma Wangdi, said many who visit them are young. “Phuentshogling being a bordering town, contraband substances are easily available across the border.”
However, he said it is mostly the adults above the age of 25 who visit for alcohol problem.
The Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency have 15 peer counsellors. However, they have not been able to increase the figure as the counsellors quit their job for other opportunities and some, relapse.
There are a total of 8 such centres across the country looked after by the BNCA and other non-governmental organisations.
