Bhubaneswar: In a bid to curb the menace of drug addiction in state, the state department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has decided to add a dose of spirituality to the medical treatment of addicts in rehabilitation centres.
The department has roped in organisations like Art of Living and Brahma Kumaris to bring behavioural changes in abusers and help them get rid of any form of addiction.
Department officials said that most of the addicts are aware about the dire consequences of drug abuse, but find it a struggle to kick the habit even if they want to. Conventional methods, as per some officials, only provide temporary relief.
“We met many who are keen to quit, but are unable to do so. We tried involving spiritual organisations so that we can instil self-confidence in them to weed out the very thought of addiction, which has started showing results,” Niten Chandra, Secretary SSEPD department told Orissa POST.
He also said many of the addicts, after their sessions with the organisations, have become the epitome of de-addiction in the state, inspiring and motivating others to follow suit. The main motive of the department is to utilise their expertise in areas where traditional ways fail to evoke the desired outcome.
The department had earlier co-opted these organisations to encourage people at Nagada village in Jajpur district to adopt modern ways of life by shunning age-old unhealthy practices in diet and chores. Through the sessions, local leaders were created in the village, who can persuade others to give up addiction and lead a healthy life.
