Addressing addiction

Prevention Education and Training for Addiction in Camps on the Thai Myanmar Border 

For two decades, Htar (not his real name), a refugee living on the Thai border, relied on heroine to help cope with his trauma and despair. He regretted how the drug made him lose control and mistreat family members.  He was thin and facing serious health consequences.  Family and community members encouraged Htar to attend the 90-day treatment program funded by REI.  The process would be emotionally and physically challenging, but Htar put his trust in the center.  In treatment, Htar suffered from hallucinations, insomnia, and loss of appetite. But staff stood by patiently offering effective treatments to help regulate the symptoms. Interventions included yoga, acupuncture and massage.  Htar found particular relief in cold water plunges. Group therapy and Healing Circles gave him additional ammunition to fight off a relapse. His cravings disappeared and he was anxious to get back to the community and speak to others who were battling addiction. Htar’s confidence and sense of self-worth have been renewed. “I want to share my life-changing experience with friends who want to be free of addiction. They need to know there is a way to quit and that it is never too late.”