Hoshiarpur rehab centre helps reintegrate patients into society with dignity

Marking a significant milestone in the fight against substance abuse, the District De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) in Hoshiarpur continues to make noteworthy progress in transforming lives. The Governor of Punjab, Gulab Chand Kataria, recently visited the centre and commended the services being delivered.

Established in 2015 with 50 beds, the centre has gradually expanded its services to accommodate the increasing number of patients in need, raising its bed count to 60 in 2020. Following the Punjab Government’s launch of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative, admissions rose sharply, prompting the expansion of the centre’s capacity to 100 beds. At present, 104 patients are being treated at the facility, where they benefit from a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach to recovery.

Under the leadership of Dr Mahima Manhas Arora, the Medical Officer In-Charge, DDRC has become a benchmark for both medical and therapeutic addiction care. Dr Mahima emphasises that the centre does far more than treat addiction—it equips patients with the tools required to lead healthier and more meaningful lives. “This approach is rooted in offering comprehensive individual and group counselling, including family and spiritual counselling, to support patients from all aspects of life,” she says.

The centre also focuses on holistic development. A dedicated yoga instructor and team of counsellors help patients build mental clarity and physical strength. In addition, a well-equipped gymnasium and indoor games provide positive outlets for physical activity, contributing to the overall rehabilitation process.

In keeping with its vision of reintegrating patients into society, the DDRC offers vocational training designed to improve employability. Programmes in salon services, horticulture (kitchen gardening) and electrician training have been introduced. Notably, one batch of electrician trainees has already graduated—an example of the centre’s dedication to ensuring that recovery is not merely about sobriety but also about enabling self-sufficient living.

The DDRC further supports its patients through services such as free legal aid, provided in partnership with the District Legal Services Authority. This ensures that individuals undergoing rehabilitation have access to legal counsel, helping them manage any related challenges on their path to recovery.

Enhancing the educational component of rehabilitation, the centre boasts smart audio-visual classrooms, fostering an environment where patients can grow and learn through interactive sessions that aid their mental and emotional well-being.

The success of DDRC Hoshiarpur has encouraged the Punjab Government to broaden the reach of such essential services. Two additional centres—DDRC-2 at Asalpur and DDRC-3 at Samundra—have been set up to cater to more patients. Currently, DDRC Hoshiarpur serves 104 patients, DDRC-2 at Asalpur houses 69 and DDRC-3 at Samundra accommodates 64 individuals. Together, these centres are playing a vital role in addressing addiction and restoring hope to affected lives.

Dr Mahima says, “We ensure that these centres are more than just places of recovery—they are sanctuaries of transformation, where patients are not only cured of addiction but are empowered with the knowledge and skills to lead a life free from substance dependence.”

As the battle against addiction continues, DDRC Hoshiarpur stands out as a success story, offering not just rehabilitation, but a renewed chance at life for many individuals. Through its wide-ranging initiatives, the centre remains committed to providing a brighter, addiction-free future for all those who seek healing.