Free Detox Camp 26thJune to 5th July 2008

Patients at the Detox Camp                              Input Session by Mr Tshewang Bhutia

On 26^th June 2008, to mark two years of existence as well as to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking, H.A.N.D.S. organized a 10 days Free Detoxification Camp in Two Phases. During the camp, food, medicines, hospital expenses and all the other requirements were met by the society.

      Phase I – 10 Young male chemically dependents underwent Detoxification Treatment under the supervision of a member Doctor, Dr Sanjay Zimba at Kalimpong Clinic, (Dr Sharma’s Nursing Home) for a period of 5 days, -26^th to 30^th June.

       On 29^th June, when the patients were found to be in better frame of mind, -Mr Chawang Bhutia, Counselor from Mukti Foundation, a treatment centre in Ghoom, Darjeeling, conducted a very resourceful counseling session.

       On 30^th June, Mr P.J.Pradhan from Kurseong and Mr P.J.Pradhan from Gangtok, both counselors working in the field of substance abuse, conducted counseling session with the patients. Parents and Guardians of the patients had been invited for family counseling. The two P.J.Pradhans conducted family counseling sessions before the patients were discharged and handed over to their respective Guardians. 

     Phase II – (1^st July to 5^th July) following their discharge from the hospital all the 10 patients had to attend intensive counseling by trained staff at the H.A.N.D.S. Day Care/Drop in Center. They reported daily at 9:30 AM and after a  whole days program, including Tea and mid day lunch, they were allowed to go home at 4:30 PM. They were also asked to attend the NA meetings on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.

     2^nd July- Three of the ten patients were motivated to go fore further long term Rehabilitation Treatment. One of our staff took these three patients and had them admitted at Mukti Foundation, Ghoom, Darjeeling. Two more patients are also ready to join the same. They will be going in the near future after they have settled their family problems.                          

       Considering the personality damage caused by Drug Dependency, the 50 % motivation  outcome of the program is satisfactory and we hope to be able to motivate all 10 in the future.

This kind of program was held for the FIRST TIME IN KALIMPONG