The tribulations and joys of working in a de-addiction center
My mornings start at 5. I rush to two de-addiction centers to conduct yoga classes. Then, in the late afternoons and evenings, we conduct satsangs, meditation, and knowledge sessions.
Almost everyone who turns up here does not like these spiritual interventions. They ask what is the point. We came here for something else. They get angry, even try to whack their heads against the wall during a meditation session. But regular practice of these spiritual interventions does make a difference. So, the same people after a while express gratitude when they see their addictions slithering away.
Part of my job is also to stay vigilant at all times. The withdrawal symptoms of an addict can be scary. Some try to commit suicide. Some try to escape. I have to make sure none of that happens, which can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, seniors - former addicts - help us in a lot of ways. They give the new patients the good company they need and deserve.
When they don’t listen to us, they listen to the seniors. With their influence, many choose to come to every class and choose to stay.
There have been cases so severe, that the families have asked us to kill them. We are looking after such patients for free, encouraging them to stay with seniors, who like elder brothers, have taken care of them and helped them recover.
Many choose to stay even after recovery as they are scared of relapse and of not being accepted by society. So they help with center’s chores: cutting vegetables, helping with transport and new patients. They find a family here.
Some who choose to go out in the world after recovery always make us proud of their jobs and worldly accomplishments. There was one case where the man came from a mental asylum and multiple rehabs. He became alright after getting treated here twice. He even got married after that!
Despite all the good stories, there are times when the violence and the chaos in a de-addiction center can get on to you. Especially after you have been witnessing all this for 10 years. But then, I am a karma yogi and a follower of my Guru. So I think to myself that if He can be accommodating, then I can too.
- Sridam Roy, Faculty, The Art of Living and The Art of Living De-addiction Center, Kolkata
Stories of Change is a series of stories about people in The Art of Living community who have witnessed transformation in their lives and are now bringing it in other’s lives.
Written by Vanditaa Kothari
