Correct mistakes, build a new life.

BPO - Drugs are a threat to families and society. A single mistake can lead to a heavy price paid by drug users due to the many consequences caused by this addictive substance. Helping drug addicts successfully overcome addiction, reintegrate into the community, and prevent relapse is the goal of relevant authorities. At the same time, alongside the efforts of those recovering from addiction, the support and sharing from family and society are crucial.

LESSON 1
WAKENING UP AFTER MISTAKES

There are many reasons why young people get involved with drugs. Some blame it on a broken marriage; others are saddened by failed business ventures; and many try drugs simply to keep up with their friends... They then sink deeper and deeper into addiction without realizing it. The consequences are the erosion of their health and youth, and a bleak future. Only when they are admitted to rehabilitation centers, receive education and support, do they finally wake up.

Lost footsteps

VDXV (born in 2004) from Ho Chi Minh City is one of 1,200 trainees undergoing drug rehabilitation at Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 2 (Phu Nghia commune, Bu Gia Map district), under the Drug Crime Investigation Department of the Binh Phuoc Provincial Police. He is considered to have made significant efforts in training and therapeutic labor. Sharing about his time as a wayward individual, V said: “After finishing 9th grade, I often hung out with a group of friends. Those all-night parties led me to get involved with drugs in 2020. At one point, I continuously used drugs until I lost all reason and awareness; instinctively, I would find my way home. In 2024, I was arrested by authorities, processed, and sent to compulsory rehabilitation here.”

Occupational therapy is a method that helps the body of addicts quickly eliminate toxins. In the photo, trainees at Rehabilitation Center No. 3 are transporting fertilizer for growing vegetables.  

V further shared: “According to the decision of the authorities, I have to undergo 15 months of rehabilitation at the facility. During my time there, thanks to the staff's guidance and education, I've learned many things: Friends only have fun together at the time. Afterwards, everyone has to take care of themselves. You have to be responsible for your own life, not your friends'. Therefore, you must choose your friends wisely and be in control of yourself.”

Everything was going well for NTDT in Chơn Thành town until a life-changing event occurred. T said: “I used to have a small family. But the breakdown of my marriage made me depressed. Especially, the daily struggle to earn money to support my two young children was very stressful, making me tired and broken. I started using drugs in 2017. Since then, drugs have transformed me into a completely different person. I have lost everything, from the affection, love, and trust of my parents and relatives to my children. After 7 years immersed in drugs, in June 2024, I was brought here by the authorities for rehabilitation.”

Trainees at Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 5 weave plastic chairs to earn income.

With tears welling up in her eyes, she said, “Over 12 months of addiction treatment here, I’ve experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. When I had withdrawal symptoms, I was no longer myself. But when I calmed down, I felt afraid of everything and longed for encouragement, comfort, and support from my family; I hoped for forgiveness for my mistakes. My misguided path has not only had negative consequences for me, but also severely impacted my children. I am determined to overcome my addiction and hope for everyone’s help.”

From March 1st, 2025, the Binh Phuoc Provincial Police Department will begin taking over 5 drug rehabilitation centers from the Binh Phuoc Provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs. Currently, the total number of rehabilitation trainees is 7,217, including more than 1,300 female trainees.

After years of living with drug addiction, addicts suffer consequences such as declining health and loss of ability to work. Many are at risk of HIV infection. In particular, addicts often engage in illegal activities such as theft and robbery to obtain money to satisfy their drug needs, severely impacting their relatives, families, and society.

Students progress together.

Of the 7,217 drug rehabilitation trainees at 5 facilities managed by the Binh Phuoc Provincial Police, 823 voluntarily entered rehabilitation. Each trainee has a different story. Some are recent addicts, while others have been addicted for up to 20 years. However, under the management and education of the facilities, the trainees all have good awareness and a strong desire to reform and correct their mistakes so that they can soon return to their families and communities.

Trainees at Rehabilitation Center No. 1 peel cashew nuts; this work is a way for addicts to forget about drugs. (The therapist's face is obscured.)

During the rehabilitation process, most trainees undergo detoxification treatment for 15 days. The remaining time is dedicated to therapeutic work, literacy education, and vocational training. Of these, therapeutic work is an effective method for the body to eliminate toxins. It also helps trainees understand the value and meaning of life.

Early one morning in June, the trainees at Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 3 (Phu Van commune, Bu Gia Map district) began their therapeutic work. Some tilled the soil and planted vegetables, while others carried fertilizer from the warehouse to the garden. The atmosphere was serious and focused. The trainees worked diligently, their shirts soaked with sweat. Taking advantage of a short break to chat, V said: “During the nearly 20 months I’ve been undergoing rehabilitation here, I’ve actively worked, followed the rules well, and maintained a healthy lifestyle. My health is now stable. According to the decision, I will complete the rehabilitation program in about four months. However, I’m trying my best and hope the center will consider allowing me to complete it ahead of schedule.”

At Subdivision 5 of Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 1 (Phu Van commune, Bu Gia Map district), approximately 600 male trainees are tasked with peeling cashew nuts. Some other trainees are assigned to work tending to the orchards around the facility grounds. A former drug addict residing in Ho Chi Minh City stated: “During the day, I get to work, and at night I sleep well. I feel my health has improved significantly. Especially, when working and focusing on the task, I no longer feel the craving for drugs.”

We have implemented a "Students Working Together" educational model. Each group consists of three students who manage and support each other, working together to effectively implement the rules and procedures of addiction treatment. For example, student A manages student B; student B manages student C; and student C manages student A. The classification results of each student are the responsibility of all members of the group. This model helps students improve discipline, solidarity, and mutual support, thereby achieving higher effectiveness in training and addiction treatment.

Captain HA THAN TRONG, Head of Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 5, Drug Crime Investigation Department, Binh Phuoc Provincial Police.

At Drug Rehabilitation Center No. 5 (Minh Lap commune, Chon Thanh town), alongside hundreds of trainees weaving chairs from plastic fibers in the covered dome, many other groups of trainees are planting vegetables and weeding in the therapeutic labor area. To help trainees achieve effective rehabilitation, in addition to scientifically-procedure management and rehabilitation methods such as: reception and classification; detoxification and withdrawal treatment; treatment of mental disorders; therapeutic labor, vocational training, and education and counseling for personality restoration…, the centers also have their own solutions, creating opportunities for trainees to help each other to continuously progress.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/9/174416/sua-lam-loi-xay-doi-moi