Mission rehab

Former drug addict Pritam Datta has started his own rehab centre where he helps addicts follow a new path in life

Addicts often talk about how getting out of any addiction is one of the most difficult tasks in life. And it is a greater achievement if after such an experience one is able to help others going through the same phase.
One such person is Pritam Datta, a resident of Vashi. Pritam was addicted to drugs for about 10 years but managed to come out of it. Today, he also runs a rehabilitation centre called Living Free Foundation.
Pritam proves the proverb, ‘Experience is the best teacher’, true and sets an example for all those who believe that getting out of a addiction is impossible. Pritam recounts his struggles and his battle with drugs.

The dark side
When I was in college, the excitement of performing better in football matches for the university got me trying brown sugar. In the initial stages, I did try to curb my craving but later, I was addicted to it.
My behaviour changed with my addiction and people noticed that. It took away my job and friends. Nobody trusted or wanted me. It was a depressing life.
Later, I was admitted to a rehabilitation centre at Alibaug. That’s when my real struggle began. I had a tough time, but that’s when I learnt lessons for life. By 1991, I had given up the addiction and started living a normal life. It was possible for me to come out of it only because of the rehabilitation centre, the love and support of my family members and positive attitude.
Since then, I started volunteering for the same rehab where I was a patient. I brought addicts to the centre and counselled a few. As I had experienced addiction myself, I could relate to them and that made them listen to me.

Living Free, his rehab
As I worked with addicts, I realised that there are very few organisations catering to addicts. I felt the need to start a rehab centre on my own. In 2003, I opened Living Free Foundation, a rehabilitation centre in Alibaug, for drug addicts and alcoholics.
I felt that Alibaug is the perfect place for a rehab centre as it is a quiet place, close to nature, away from the chaos of city life. The environment plays a vital role to bring lives back to normal.
I believe that addiction causes harm not only to the addicted person but also affects his immediate relations. Hence, if I am able to rescue one person, it would help the whole family.
I do not believe in giving psychotropic medicines, as sometimes people get addicted to these medicines itself.
The programme we follow requires minimum nine months. Every stage is a step towards positively changing the future of an addict through personality development. There are no shortcuts in the recovery process. It’s simple logic, if a person has spent over 10 years in addiction, at least nine months will be required to get him out of it.
There are around 20 staff members and eight doctors to treat and take care of the patients in Living Free Foundation. We get patients from all over India. Presently, 130 people are striving to get out of alcohol and drug addictions at the centre.

Bizarre cases
A few people in the rehab used to eat soap, break glasses and behave aggressively. They would have landed in an asylum had they not been treated right. However, we were successful in treating them. After a year, they started behaving normally and some of the patients were discharged.
There have been cases where the patient had given up on life, but have been successful in helping them bring their lives back to normal. I cannot assure that every risky case can be solved and that all the addicts will be able to bring their lives back to normal, as it depends on their attitude. But what’s the harm in giving it a try?

Future endeavours
I aim to have few more branches of my rehab. I also wish to start a rehabilitation centre combined with an old age home so that both can become a support for each other.
Spending almost 10 years in addiction and returning back to normal life is kind of like going through hell and coming back. I think I'm lucky to get a second chance and I've taken it positively.For more information about Living Free Foundation, go to www.livingfree-foundation.com

A word of advice
Pritam says, “Once addicted, a person has only three options, a mental asylum, prison or death. Do not play with your life. An addiction will only put your life at risk along with  your dear ones. A person can live a happy and enjoyable life without any addictions.”

--Indira Thakur