New de-addiction centre opens in Tiruchi's MGMGH

A new de-addiction center has opened at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi. The center was launched on February 27 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. It has 20 beds and offers support for those dealing with substance abuse. Currently, over 300 patients use the center's services. Of these, 17 are inpatients, and 380 are registered as outpatients. The patients attend the center for issues related to alcohol, medicines, and nicotine. The age range of patients is from 18 to 65 years. Dr. A. Niranjana Devi, a psychiatrist at the hospital, emphasized that addiction is a disease requiring medical support and motivation. The center includes a triage section to identify symptoms and provide urgent care. A 21-day detox program is offered to help patients begin their recovery. The center also provides group therapy, including weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and daily motivational sessions. To promote a positive environment, televisions display encouraging messages about overcoming addiction. Plans for a library with relevant reading material are underway. Additionally, activities like board games and yoga are available as part of the treatment program. Most patients served by the center are men from low-income families living in urban areas of Tiruchi.