The Eighth Recovery Get-Together at Ahsania Mission Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center

Ahsania Mission Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Gazipur, Bangladesh organized the 8th Recovery Get-Together on 28 February 2020 at its premises, to celebrate the healthy drug-free lives of 170 recovered Substance Use Disorder patients.

The center was established in 2004 in Gazipur by Dhaka Ahsania Mission flagship Addiction Management and Integrated Care (AMIC). Situated in its own five-bigha enclosed land, the center can accommodate 100 patients at a time. More than 2200 patients have received treatment and rehabilitation services from here since its establishment. The center organizes the “Recovery Get-Together” program each year to motivate and celebrate the lives in recovery.

The festivities began with the arrival of 60 recovering patients on 27 February afternoon at the center. Current residents, center staffs and the guests joined in on a bonfire occasion which symbolized the new bright beginning of drug-free life. A Narcotics Anonymous meeting was held in the evening where eight guests shared their stories from days when they used to remain under influence, how they felt during their treatment, and about their challenges and how to overcome them. They also shared their personal inspirations to remain drug-free with the hope that these would in turn motivate the current patients leading toward the similar path.

The main event took place on 28 February where Mr SM AnowarulKarim, Deputy Director, Department of Social Services, Gazipur, was honored as the Chief Guest. He welcomed and appreciated Dhaka Ahsania Mission for such arrangements and proposed to organize such motivating programs every three month. Mr Mosharrof Hossain – Ward Councilor of Gazipur Ward No 22, Mr Arifur Rahman Minar – Operation Manager of BRAC CDM, and Mr Amir Hossain – Coordinator of Monojotno (mental health services) of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, were present as Special Guests. They urged the Chief Guest to continue and strengthen Government support in running drug use prevention activities. The guardians of the recovering patients joined in on the discussion sharing their joy at the return of their loved ones to normal life. Speakers and guests emphasized on the harmful consequences of drug use affecting individual health, society and national security. The event was presided by Mr Mijanur Rahman – Center Manager of the institute. Guests were given AMIC diaries and event calendars for the celebration of 30th year of its anti-drug activities.

Ten recovering patients were awarded with Wellness Crests honoring their struggles and determination to remain drug-free and acknowledging their contributions in anti-drug activities. Eight other recovering patients and parents were awarded with honorary medals for their efforts in Ahsania Mission Shastho Shurokkha Forum – a charitable forum ensuring health rights of poor and underprivileged population. A recovery countdown was also held to inspire the patients for their longevity of sober life. The event ended with a cultural show where the current patients of the center participated.