The desire to reform of drug addicts

Before returning to reintegrate into the community, students at the Thai Nguyen Provincial Drug Rehabilitation Center are shared experiences and skills by staff to prevent drug relapse.

Currently, in the province, there are more than 4,000 drug addicts with records. That is also more than 4,000 lives of injustice and suffering. They live in torment of conscience and always have the desire to return to being normal people like they used to be.

Although many drug addicts become a burden to their families, even a nightmare to society, they are not abandoned. The whole community is always open to tolerance, forgiveness, ready to share, and help drug addicts to reform and return to their families and communities.

Evidence shows that from 2011 to the end of 2024, the province's drug rehabilitation facilities have treated more than 18,100 people. On average, Thai Nguyen province has more than 1,000 people successfully completing drug rehabilitation each year, receiving "certificates" of rehabilitation from state authorities and returning to reintegrate into the community.

Many of them are supported by local authorities and mass organizations in their place of residence to learn a trade, create new jobs; mobilize them to participate in cultural, artistic, physical education and sports activities; creating an environment for them to live in harmony in a friendly and healthy cultural environment.

In just the last 4 years, drug rehabilitation facilities have successfully treated 4,510 cases, equivalent to the number of addicts on the list being managed by state authorities.

Specifically, in 2021, 1,431 people successfully completed drug rehabilitation, reaching 143.1% of the plan; in 2022, 1,003 people successfully completed drug rehabilitation, reaching 100.3% of the plan; in 2023, 1,061 people successfully completed drug rehabilitation, reaching 106.1% of the plan; in 2024, 1,015 people successfully completed drug rehabilitation, reaching 126.9% of the plan assigned by the province.

For drug addicts, the province's rehabilitation facilities have given them the best chance to rebuild their lives. Mr. Phan Van Hung, a subject who is undergoing compulsory rehabilitation at the provincial rehabilitation facility, did not hide: I have been to rehabilitation centers more than 20 times. It is very humiliating, but at least when I come here I can live like a human being.

Drug rehabilitation facilities in Thai Nguyen province regularly have from 700 to 800 people undergoing drug rehabilitation.

When in society, many addicts are forced to do illegal jobs to earn money to buy drugs. That is why they lose their faith. Mr. Nguyen Van Trung, Dong Quang ward (Thai Nguyen city) shared: My life is over, because at the age of 50, I was addicted for 34 years. At 16, my parents discovered that I had symptoms of drug addiction. The number of times I have undergone drug rehabilitation is more than my age. In addition to the times I went to the provincial drug rehabilitation center, I have detoxed at home, there were years when I detoxed up to 12 times, but I was only determined for a few days and half a month before falling back down to the drug table.

The alluring magic of the magic potion, the addictive substance called drugs, has driven many people into extreme poverty. Talking to me about his miserable life, Mr. Hoang Van Dinh, Thinh Dan Ward (Thai Nguyen City) regretted: I used to have a happy family, but because of drug addiction, my wife and children left me. I sold all the land and house that my parents gave me to get money to buy drugs.

Mr. Tran Tuan Hien, Dong Bam Ward: From the age of 20 to 35, I lived in rehabilitation camps and drug rehabilitation facilities more than at home. Once, after completing a “retreat”, before I could even return home, I was arrested by the police and sent to rehab.

That time, on my way back from the rehabilitation center, when I reached the Gia Bay bridge area, I saw an acquaintance selling drugs and I couldn't stand it anymore. My whole body was covered in goose bumps, my mouth was watering and I couldn't swallow fast enough, my bones felt like there were maggots crawling in them. I had some money in my pocket and intended to buy a gift for my daughter, but I bought drugs and was caught red-handed.

Mr. Hien's wife hesitantly said: "My husband went to the camp, to rehab, the neighbors were safe, and my children and I still had money coming in and going out. When he came back, he spoke sweetly, but every penny he had hidden in the ground was taken away. Every time money was lost from the house, my husband would "disappear" for a few days before returning... Looking remorseful, Mr. Hien scratched his head and said: "This time I have successfully quit my addiction. I swear, 'Above is heaven, below is earth, in between is you and your children, if you relapse, you and your children will report to the police to take me to rehab."

Just because of a little bit of recklessness and curiosity, many young people have lost their way on the path of drugs. Because they once had a dream but made that dream come true with the illusion of addictive substances. Then every day they live in torment, remorse and the desire to start their lives over again.

Mr. Nong Dinh Hoa, Thinh Dan Ward (Thai Nguyen City): Quitting drug addiction is actually a very normal thing for a person with determination. It is simple because it is an act of giving up a bad habit. It is not necessary to cut off a finger, and moreover, do not swear. Does anyone believe in the oath of an "addict"? The important thing is whether you are determined or not.

Through the story I know: Previously, Mr. Hoa was a serious drug addict. But after successfully quitting, he was able to rebuild his life by working honestly. He is now the owner of a construction company, creating jobs for more than 30 workers with an average income of 7 to 12 million VND/person/month.

Every person who successfully quits drug addiction will quickly regain a stable material and spiritual life. Mr. Ma Van Minh, Phan Dinh Phung Ward (Thai Nguyen City) shared: Before, I spent 200,000 VND every day on drugs. Now that I have quit drugs, I use that money to help my wife and children go to school without being late on tuition.

Drugs - if only we had not tried them, if we had not been curious, then so many people in society would not have had to aspire to start their lives over. But at least it is better late than never. Because everyone has an ambition, maybe not big, but at least to be a good person to have the opportunity to repay their grandparents, parents and set an example for their children.

(Names in the article have been changed)

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202503/khat-vong-hoan-luong-cua-nguoi-nghien-ma-tuy-e9b1cc8/