From Substance Dependency to a New Beginning: Garry's Journey towards Recovery, Self-Reliance and Social Reintegration

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment From Substance Dependency to a New

Beginning: Garry's Journey towards Recovery, Self-Reliance and Social Reintegration

Posted On: 07 SEP 2026 6:13PM by PIB Delhi Substance dependency can disrupt education, relationships and future opportunities, while emotional stress, social stigma and limited access to support can make recovery more difficult. Timely counselling, treatment and rehabilitation can provide individuals with the guidance and confidence needed to rebuild their lives.

Demonstrating the impact of support under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction

(NAPDDR), Garry (name changed), a 27-year-old resident of Tseminyu district in Nagaland, is maintaining sobriety, engaged in self-employment and gradually reintegrating into society. His journey reflects the role of sustained rehabilitation, family involvement and community support in enabling positive transformation.

Belonging to the Scheduled Tribe community and educated up to middle school, Garry faced several challenges due to substance abuse. Emotional stress, lack of direction and negative peer influence gradually led to substance dependency, adversely affecting his personal life, education, social relationships and future opportunities.

His educational progress was interrupted, while his confidence and motivation were significantly affected.

Substance dependency also limited his ability to lead a stable and productive life. His family experienced emotional and financial strain while managing daily needs and rehabilitation-related support.

Social stigma and limited awareness within the community created additional barriers during Garry's recovery. Geographical and accessibility challenges further delayed access to counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services during the initial stage.

Despite these difficulties, Garry aspired to rebuild his life, become self-reliant, regain the trust of his family and community, and contribute positively to society. He desired a second chance to lead a healthy and meaningful life free from substance dependency.

With support from family members, community leaders and the District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Tseminyu, Garry gradually accepted rehabilitation and recovery support. The intervention under NAPDDR provided him with a safe and supportive environment, emotional guidance and the motivation needed to overcome substance dependency and rebuild his life.Through DDAC Tseminyu, Garry received individual counselling, psychological support, de-addiction and rehabilitation services, motivational and behavioural guidance, family counselling and community support interventions. Awareness programmes and psychosocial care formed an important part of the assistance provided to him.

During the rehabilitation process, Garry was encouraged to adopt healthy habits, restore his self- confidence and reconnect positively with his family and community. Continuous follow-up monitoring helped support sustained recovery and social reintegration.

The intervention contributed to improvements in Garry's mental well-being, discipline and social behaviour. His relationship with his family and community improved, and he began participating in productive and responsible activities within the community.

At present, Garry is maintaining sobriety, actively participating in productive activities and continuing his journey towards social reintegration with renewed hope and responsibility. He is self-employed and now serves as an example of positive transformation through rehabilitation and support under the NAPDDR scheme.

Garry's journey demonstrates how counselling, treatment, psychosocial care, family involvement and community encouragement can help an individual move beyond substance dependency. With sustained support, he has progressed towards a healthier, meaningful and self-reliant life.

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