Ten days of detoxification and three weeks of aftercare has changed the life of Babu (51). He says he was able to have his normal breakfast on Wednesday, which was not the case a few weeks ago. Addicted to alcohol for 20 years, he gradually lost his urge to have a normal intake of food. He lost his ability to walk and was admitted to the Corporation Welfare Centre for De-addiction on Mirza Hyder Ali Khan Street, Royapettah by his family members.
“I had a good breakfast today. I have also experienced that drinking is very bad for health. I am able to walk now,” said Mr. Babu. He is confident of resuming work as driver in a government transport corporation shortly. Srinivasan, another person treated for addiction at the centre said that he started drinking with friends just for excitement but realised the mistake only after experiencing alcohol related problems.
“I ended up in a debt trap because of my habit. I was not able to work and had problems in family. I want to overcome that now,” he added.
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Inspecting the Centre on Wednesday, Mayor M.Subramanian said that a total of 64 such persons have been treated free of cost at the facility.
The centre is being run by the Chennai Corporation in association with The Hindu Welfare Centre.
Conservancy workers of the Chennai Corporation and other patients had been selected for admission after screening. At the centre, the patients are treated for hepatitis, gastritis, pancreatitis and malnutrition. Psychiatric problems such as hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia and depression are also being treated at the centre.
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