The number of people seeking counselling has doubled in the last few years

Neten Dorji

Mongar—Twenty -two- year-old, Kinley Dorji’s life could have spiralled out of control, either landing him in jail or worse, had he not reached out for help. 

For nearly four years, he struggled with cannabis addiction. And despite repeated warnings from teachers and a suspension from school, his struggle continued until he was referred to the Mongar Drop-in Centre (DIC).

Counselling at the centre was a turning point for Kinley Dorji, leading him to realise that rehabilitation was the only option. “I tried to quit multiple times but the cravings were overwhelming,” he said.

After completing a rigorous four-and-a-half-month rehab programme in Thimphu, he has never looked back. “Cannabis was easier to get than tablets. I regret wasting so much time and money on drugs,” he said.

Clean for two years now, Kinley Dorji lives a stable life, helping his parents with their business.

His story is one among many at the Mongar DIC, which has seen a significant rise in its clientele over the years. Students, school dropouts, civil servants, and employees of both public and private sectors seek help from the centre.

Between 2021 and 2022, the centre managed around 52 referrals each year. This number doubled to 112 in 2023, and in just eight months in 2024, 65 individuals have been referred to the centre.

Peer Counsellor Tshewang Jemo said the increase is mainly due to the Treatment Assessment Panel (TAP) programme. “We provide counselling whenever someone is referred to the centre. Those at high risk are sent to rehab centres,” she said. “Many return with changes, but that does not mean they are completely free from substance use disorder.”

The TAP programme assesses students and youth who are referred by police, parents, schools, or hospitals. They are categorised as low, moderate, or high risk. Those at high risk are sent for rehabilitation while those at low or moderate risk receive outpatient or residential counselling.

“Repeat offenders are given three chances. After the fourth offense, they face charges and compulsory treatment for one month to a year,” Tshewang Jemo said.

Another peer counsellor Sonam Yangchen shared that many alcoholics are referred from hospital wards, but they are often reluctant to undergo rehabilitation.

“Many alcoholics do not want to go to rehabilitation centres because of fees and distance,” she said. “Moreover, they do not come to the centre for counselling due to distance and then relapse.”

An official said that while those addicted to alcohol are interested in taking the services, they withdraw the moment they learn about the fees.

A health official said that alcohol addiction is particularly becoming a major public health issue in the country, mainly driven by the widespread availability of alcohol. “Alcohol-related problems are severe and costly, with each patient’s treatment costing more than Nu 122,000.”

Currently, the Mongar DIC caters to four dzongkhags—Mongar, Lhuentse, Trashigang, and Trashiyangtse.

The health official said that as more people seek help for addiction at the Mongar DIC, there is a growing need to establish a rehab centre in the eastern region.