By Pam Rogers | Capacity Advisor/Addiction Trainer
On May 10th officials from Karen State in Burma, National League for Democracy representatives, local residents, DARE Network Core staff and the first brave Addiction Workers opened the DARE Network Centre in the jungle.
30 clients began detox and treatment in the bamboo and wooden centre in the mountains, in the western part of Karen State, Burma, near the border with Thailand.
Just as in 2002 when DARE Network received their very first clients in Thailand, people with the most severe addictions were sent for treatment. Long-term addicts and alcoholics arrived full of fear and drugs and alcohol. The DARE Network Addiction workers prepared to be tested by the addicts themselves, as well as the communities who helped them come. Expectations are high and the pressure is on.
The detox is trying for all. People have been using alcohol all their lives and many are addicted to methamphetamines and opium, as well. The DARE Addiction workers apply their skills and their tools. Clients are reassured as the withdrawal symptoms begin. Assesments are made, decisions are made. Acupunture is given and herbal medicine dispensed. Food is offered. Attention is paid 24 hours a day for the next 10 days.
Most clients start to feel better after a week. Some are not so lucky and need special care. One even runs away into the jungle, at night. The headman of the village and the DARE Staff send out a party to find him, which they do huddling in the forest, not know where he is. They bring him back safely.
At DARE there are no bonds, no fences, no locks. The only chains are a chain of people working together with dedication and love to help people move away from the chains of addiction.
The next 3 months are filled with education, therapy, art, music, exercise and healthful food. Families come for visits and can hardly believe the changes in their loved ones. Their hope is palpable. They are also given education and knowledge of what to expect, how they can help.
And finally, graduation day arrives. Celebration of recovery. And now off to their homes and families.
The DARE Staff are tired but satisfied. A little break and onto the next.
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