In view of the increasing number of alcoholics and drugs users in Thimphu, the Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency mandated that an Approved Treatment Centre be established in Thimphu to help the clients get clean and remain sober. In order to help do this, the Youth Development Fund, a Non-government organization, took upon itself to construct a 40-60 bedded rehabilitation centre near Thimphu within the next five years. Until the planned centre is constructed an interim centre was established in a rented house at Serbithang, about 15 km from Thimphu on 8th August 2009. The centre is called the Treatment and rehabilitation centre for drug and alcohol dependence (TRCDAD) and has the support of the following organizations and individuals:
The main objectives are to help the youth and family members remain free from drug and alcohol use. It focuses on 3Rs: Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Relapse prevention aspects. The centre provides treatment through a modern way of approach, which includes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, educative lessons, skills building sessions and family counselling. The centre also provides aftercare services by linking up the clients with the “Drop-In-Centres” (DIC) and Alcoholic Anonymous (AA)/Narcotic anonymous (NA) groups. Monitored release is also initiated by the centre to provide support during the clients’ re-entry into mainstream society. Clients are provided with a treatment programme for an optimum period of 90 days. At the moment the centre has a capacity to treat 12 male clients at a time. Clients are charged a subsidized fee of Nu 1500 per month for the meals. Treatment and logistics are provided free of cost for the clients. (Source: YDF Newsletter, Vol. 1 No. 14, 2009)
The centre is managed by Mr. Wangchuk, a former Vice Principal of a school, along with 4 trained peer counsellors. The centre is located in a healing environment away from the maddening crowd of Thimphu city. The building itself is a beautiful structure perched on a slop opposite the upcoming large Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley down below.
Clients desiring to undertake treatment at the rehabilitation centre must complete the following admission procedures:
1.Visit the Drip-In-Centre (DIC) located at the Health Information Service Centre in Norzin Lam (near Taxi Parking) in Thimphu for referral to Psychiatric department of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Nationa Referrral Hospital (JDWNRH) in Thimphu.
2.They must undergo detoxification program, either home-detox or by getting admitted at the hospital ward.
3.The client will be issued a certificate upon completion of detoxification with which the client is accompanied to the rehabilitation centre by a peer outreach worker and a family member.
[Mr. Pema, the peer outreach worker who is currently posted at the Psychiatric ward has been identified as the focal person for booking a seat at the rehabilitation centre. He can be contacted at 77285713].
