Art therapy sessions rebuilding lives at Punjab govt-run de-addiction centres

Chandigarh: As part of the Punjab govt's Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, the health department has introduced art therapy sessions at 30 govt-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across 15 districts of the state.The therapy is intended to support the recovery and rehabilitation of people undergoing treatment for substance abuse by providing a creative outlet for emotional expression.The sessions are also aimed at helping patients cope with withdrawal-related challenges, improve their emotional well-being and rebuild confidence during the rehabilitation process.At these centres, patients spend dedicated time every week engaging in creative activities.Bhavna Sharma, a counsellor at Swami Vivekanand De-addiction Centre, Govt Medical College, Amritsar, said, "When patients come to us, they do not share much. They are full of anxiety and have difficulty expressing their emotions. During art therapy sessions, they start expressing their feelings through activities such as colouring and drawing.""We have started multimodal art therapy, visual art therapy, expressive art therapy and mindfulness-based art activities, so that the victim understands his own feelings and can subsequently plan his journey towards a drug-free life and remain hopeful about the future," said Dr Bhavna.Dr Balbir Singh, Punjab health and family welfare minister, stated, "As part of the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, the govt is ensuring that all victims of drug abuse receive emotional and psychological support through these art therapy sessions.""Rehabilitation is not just about saying ‘no' to drugs; it is about supporting patients' physical and mental wellbeing, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community," he added.MSID:: 131589536 413 |