Communication and education are key to improving awareness and behaviors of people with drug problems and providing them with vocational training at the Hanoi Drug Rehab Center No.4 in Ba Vi District.

A member works in vegetable field at the Hanoi Drug Rehab Center No.4 in Ba Vi District. Photo: Tran Oanh/ The Hanoi Times

It's the working principle of the rehab center which is aimed to train those struggling with addiction.  

After the first three quarters of 2022, Hanoi Drug Rehabilitation Center No.4 admitted a total of 146 people struggling with substance abuse, meeting 85% of the year's plan. The center is now home to 370 members whom they call "learners".

Pham Dinh Giang, Director of the Hanoi Drug Rehab Center No.4, said that the center has disseminated the Law on Drug Prevention and Combat 2021 and the amended Law on Handling of Administrative Violations 2020 every week to provide learners with a better understanding of the laws.

As a result, all of the learners passed the tests with high scores.

In addition, special classes are also held to provide knowledge of laws, life values, healthcare, and policies for drug abusers. Learners also develop a close relationship with the center's staff, so their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are easily perceived.

Healthcare is another priority at the rehab center as learners receive medical checkup on the first day of arrival. Therefore, a proper rehabilitation plan is developed to improve their health.

Every six months, health workers from Ba Vi General Hospital and Bach Mai Hospital come to the center to check the health of the learners, offering treatment to prevent infectious diseases and improve sanitary conditions for the center.

In addition, learners are encouraged to work to "ensure an additional source of safe food for both staff and learners while ensuring that patients understand the value of work." Working in a four- to six-hour shift coupled with daily sports activities also help improve their physical condition and mental health.

Health checkup for learners at the center.

During their rehabilitation, learners can participate in training classes to prepare for their return to life and reintegration into society, the center's director said.

It's the reason the center works with the Ba Vi Vocational Training Center to hold training courses in construction, industrial sewing, wig making, and wielding. 

Notably, learners are also taught how to draw up personal plans provided with a list of companies for their job opportunities. 

The last but not least, the center will send requests to local authorities to improve coordination in monitoring and assisting post-rehab, Giang said. 

Do Anh Tuan, 32, from Hoang Mai District's Thinh Liet Ward, told The Hanoi Times that he spent 18 months at Hanoi Drug Rehabilitation Center No.4. "I am lucky to be able to quit drugs and progress in my learning in such a clean, friendly and high-quality rehabilitation environment," he said.

"The staff members are always close to us. They can share everything with us. Our benefits are also good as regulated by the government," Tuan said.

"After the training, I understand the value of hard work and money. I am thankful that my family and the center did not abandon me."

Tran Nhat Thai, 39, from Quynh Mai ward of Hai Ba Trung district, said he has been at the center for nearly two years.

"We feel safe, secure and comfortable at the center. Most of us have gained weight and we are all physically strong," he said, noting that "At the center, we can join training classes and learn job skills. We now know the value of hard work and are determined to become good people and contribute to a better society."