FORMER DRUG ADDICTS COME CLEAN

FORMER drug addict surnamed He has been given a new start in her
life, thanks to staff at a Minhang recovery center.

Once hopelessly addicted to drugs, the young woman was sent to the
rehab center by her family.

However, her mother acted very strictly with her and the young woman
became depressed again after completing an abstention program.

When community staff at the center noticed, they immediately worked
intensively with He and her mother to resolve the problem.

Now she's a productive member of society again and has met her "Mr
Right."

And at her wedding ceremony, she invited health center workers to
share her happiness.

"They are like my family members," said He.

According to drug laws passed in China last year, neighborhood
committees can help drug addicts abstain with medical treatment and
labor.

Most recovery centers are now established in community health
centers.

Because many drug addicts suffer from a series of diseases, they are
generally not brave enough to seek treatment at general hospitals.

Community doctors can refer addicts to recovery centers, which have a
staff of 11 authorized psychologists in Minhang District.

Last week psychologists set up the Minhang Professional Psychology
Consultation Group in the area.

At present, at least one professional medical worker staffs each
recovery center with several full-time drug counselors and volunteers.

Their aim is to help resolve problems for people willing to abstain
from drugs, support them and help them build up enough confidence to
return to society.

Xiao Wang used to be a drug addict. After weaning himself off drugs,
he rented a plot of land to grow grapes and earned his own living.

However, it took a long time before the harvest and Wang soon turned
to drugs again to relieve his stress.

Community staff noticed and immediately stepped in to help -- even
finding a buyer for his grapes.

Wang was so touched by their concern that he vowed to renounce drugs
forever.

The recovery centers help former addicts find jobs, help them apply
for community charity assistance, and find volunteers to assist their
children's education.