Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts at Gudalur, Nilgiris

Gudalur of the Nilgris is a town of mountain. Here is a large number of people accustomed to drinks. While many take to drinks to keep them warm, most of the poor labourers, especially in Tea Estate and factories, become slaves to the habit and quite a few resort to drugs too. This results in their remaining away from work for days together and reduces the family income, with women and children being the worst sufferers. "Winner" Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts is support by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It is situated in an ideal building, at Gudalur and is easily accessible. The tribal who get addicted are referred to the Centre through Government Hospitals, members of the public and even family members.

During the reporting period, the center has admitted 194 addicts and out of that 150 cases were leading a drug free life. Conducted 2013 individual counselling, 296 group therapy, 48 family therapy, 271 yoga & meditations for drug addicts to make
8 the treatment successful. 182 home visits and 751 regular follow up sessions were conducted and ensured sobriety.

The project has organised 49 awareness programmes by using pictorial posters and flex banners to educate the participants. The school students, women self help groups, anganwadi workers, police officials, NYK volunteers, NSS students and general public were sensitised.

Two programmes were organised and sensitised the public on ill-effects of drug abuse. Sensitised more than 100 volunteers on ill-effect of drug abuse through rural camps which were presided by the District Collector, Nilgiris. Eight Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings were conducted and 42 sober patients were participated. Observed International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking along with district administration at Gudalur. The sober were motivated and given prizes. The general public was sensitized on ill-effect of addiction through handbills and procession. The project was visited by Probation Officer, Project Coordinator from TTK and given their guidance.

With the support of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New Delhi, Mass awareness programs on drug awareness have been brought out to tribal and nontribal communities in Gudalur areas of the Nilgris. The programs were two types i.e., drug abuse awareness meetings and performing street theaters which motivated the community to prevent themselves from abusing drugs and alcohol. Capacity building programs on creating drug abused awareness and prevention through training and orientations for self-help groups, school and college teachers, government and private health dispensary staffs, and through life skill education for youths have been organised. Training and orientations focused on community drug abuse prevention measures to taken by the participants. Drug awareness interventions through participatory meetings and role plays have been fetched out for tribal, plantation workers and tea manufacturing factories' workers. These programs promoted collective initiatives and self-help endeavour among individuals and groups vulnerable to addiction or found at risk. Prizes were distributed to the Winners during slogan competition and quiz competition through District Collector and graced the occasion. Thus the impact through our awareness programme among community is welcoming to bring about positive awakening among them on drug prevention and control.