DHAKA, June 26, 2026 (BSS) - Drug addicts are returning to normal life 
through treatment and counselling at private rehabilitation centres. 

Through treatment, counselling and rehabilitation programmes, these centres 
have helped thousands of drug-dependent individuals reintegrate into society.

A section of the youth population has fallen victim to the devastating grip 
of drugs, creating concern for families, society and the state.

In this situation, alongside government initiatives, various private drug 
treatment and rehabilitation centres across the country are playing an 
important role.

According to the experts, drug addiction is not merely a crime or a bad habit 
but it is a complex health and psychological problem. 

Therefore, in addition to medication, treatment requires long-term 
psychological support and social rehabilitation.

Private rehabilitation centres generally provide detoxification, 
consultations with psychiatrists, individual and group counselling, 
behavioural therapy, family counselling and skill-development training.

As a result, many addicted individuals are getting an opportunity to start 
life anew.

Sabbir Hossain, who recovered after receiving treatment at the private drug 
rehabilitation centre "Ghore Fero" in Mirpur of the capital, said he had been 
addicted to yaba and cannabis for several years. 

His family life and career had nearly been destroyed. Later, at his family's 
initiative, he was admitted to the rehabilitation centre for treatment and 
now he is employed and leading a normal life.

Such success stories are now being seen in many centres and those concerned 
with the centres said the recovery rate increases significantly when patients 
show sincerity and receive family support.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amar Home Drug Addiction Treatment Centre in 
Uttara, Nayeem Ahmed, said, "Among the addicts we treat, yaba addiction is 
the most common. About 45 percent of our current admitted patients are 
suffering from yaba addiction." 

Unfortunately, yaba is widely available in Uttara and the North Dhaka 
corridor, particularly among working young men aged between 20 and 35, he 
further said. 

Withdrawal from yaba causes severe psychological distress, sleep 
disturbances, depression and, in some cases, paranoia or aggression, he 
added.

Reaffirming their struggle and sincerity to fight drugs, he said, "To manage 
this safely, 24-hour medical supervision is necessary and our residential 
medical officers and paramedic team remain specially assigned around the 
clock for this purpose."

"Alongside physical treatment, we work to strengthen patients mentally. Many 
patients return to employment, business or education after completing 
treatment," he noted.

Managing Director (MD) of Prashanti Drug Addiction Treatment and 
Rehabilitation Centre M Khorshed Alam said society still holds negative 
attitudes toward drug addicts. 

"Many families are unwilling to bring patients under treatment because of 
social stigma though drug addiction is a treatable condition," he said, 
adding that timely treatment could return most patients to a healthy life.

He further said more effective results in drug control could be achieved 
through greater coordination between government and private initiatives.

He called on to expand such rehabilitation programmes further and create 
social awareness among the people.

Referring to findings from a national study conducted under the supervision 
of the Department of Narcotics Control, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said 
there are currently around 82 lakh drug addicts in the country, accounting 
for approximately 4.88 percent of the total population. 

"The spread of new synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs is making the problem 
increasingly complex," he noted.

Mentioning various government measures for the treatment and rehabilitation 
of drug addicts, the minister said residential capacity has been increased at 
three divisional city centres, including the treatment centre at Tejgaon in 
Dhaka. 

He also said that, alongside government facilities, efforts are being made to 
strengthen private initiatives. 

In the fiscal year 2025-2026, a total of Taka 11 million in financial grants 
is being provided to 73 selected private drug addiction treatment and 
rehabilitation centres out of 403 licensed centres nationwide.

However, the work is underway to upgrade the Central Drug Addiction Treatment 
Centre in Dhaka to 250 beds.

At the same time, a project has been launched to construct modern 200-bed 
drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres in seven divisional 
cities of the country Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Sylhet 
and Mymensingh at a cost of Taka 1,413 crore to treat the drug addicts.