Marking a pivotal moment in the fight against substance abuse, the District De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) in Hoshiarpur continues to make commendable strides in changing lives. The Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, recently visited the centre and praised the quality of services provided. Founded in 2015 with an initial capacity of 50 beds, the centre has steadily broadened its scope to meet the rising demand, increasing its capacity to 60 beds in 2020. With the Punjab Government’s rollout of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, admissions surged, prompting another expansion—this time to a 100-bed facility. Currently, 104 patients are undergoing treatment, benefitting from a holistic and integrated recovery framework.

Led by Dr Mahima Manhas Arora, the Medical Officer In-Charge, DDRC has become a model institution for both medical and therapeutic addiction treatment. Dr Mahima highlights that the centre’s work goes beyond detoxification—it empowers patients with essential life tools to foster healthier, more fulfilling lives. “Our approach is comprehensive, encompassing personalised and group therapy, family involvement, and spiritual support to address all facets of a patient’s journey,” she explains.

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The centre prioritises well-rounded development. A dedicated yoga practitioner and a team of professional counsellors aid patients in gaining mental focus and physical resilience. Facilities such as a modern gym and indoor games provide constructive physical engagement, aiding the overall healing process.

In line with its mission to reintegrate patients into society, the DDRC offers skill-building programmes to enhance employment prospects. Courses in salon skills, horticulture (including kitchen gardening), and electrician training have been introduced. One batch of electrician trainees has already completed their course, demonstrating the centre’s focus on long-term rehabilitation through empowerment and independence.

To further assist patients, the centre partners with the District Legal Services Authority to offer free legal assistance. This initiative ensures that individuals in recovery have access to justice and support for any legal hurdles they may face during rehabilitation.

Educational enrichment is also part of the recovery journey. With advanced audio-visual classrooms, the centre offers engaging learning environments that stimulate cognitive and emotional development.

The success of DDRC Hoshiarpur has inspired the Punjab Government to expand such transformative services. Two more centres—DDRC-2 in Asalpur and DDRC-3 in Samundra—have been established to accommodate additional patients. Currently, DDRC Hoshiarpur supports 104 individuals, DDRC-2 houses 69, and DDRC-3 cares for 64 patients. Collectively, these centres are making a significant impact in combating addiction and restoring lives.

Dr Mahima states, “We strive to ensure that these centres are not merely treatment facilities—they are places of transformation, where patients reclaim their lives and acquire the knowledge and skills to remain substance-free.”

As the fight against addiction persists, DDRC Hoshiarpur stands as a beacon of hope, offering not just recovery but renewed opportunities. Through its diverse programmes, the centre continues to work toward a future free from addiction for all who seek healing.