Chandigarh: As part of the Punjab government's Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, the health department has introduced art therapy sessions at 30 government-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.
Art Therapy for Emotional Well-being
The sessions are 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 such as colouring and drawing.
Counsellor's Perspective
Bhavna Sharma, a counsellor at Swami Vivekanand De-addiction Centre, Government 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," added Dr Bhavna.
Government's Commitment
Dr Balbir Singh, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, stated, "As part of the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign, the government is ensuring that all victims of drug abuse receive emotional and psychological support through these art therapy sessions." He further emphasized, "Rehabilitation is not just about saying 'no' to drugs; it is about supporting patients' physical and mental well-being, helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community."
The initiative marks a significant step in addressing substance abuse through holistic approaches, combining medical treatment with creative therapies to foster long-term recovery.
