The Punjab government has highlighted the role of women in supporting recovery from addiction as part of its ongoing efforts Yud nashan virudh The campaign said that mothers, wives and sisters are emerging as major contributors to encouraging treatment and rehabilitation of people suffering from drug abuse.
This focus comes after an awareness program was organized in Moga, where recovering patients, family members and health professionals exchanged experiences on the role of families in helping individuals overcome addiction. Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the campaign has evolved into a grassroots movement by putting families, especially women, at the heart of the country’s anti-drug strategy.
Women emerge as a support system in recovery
According to the government, addiction often places the greatest emotional, financial and social burden on women and children. She said many families now recognize drug abuse as a medical condition, encouraging affected members to seek treatment and supporting them through rehabilitation while helping prevent relapse.
In an awareness program entitled The risk of drug abuse – revealing the burden on womenheld at SFC College, Jalalabad, many women shared personal narratives of supporting family members through addiction recovery.
Ragini Kaur from Ludhiana said, “My husband was a drug addict since before our marriage. But I came to know about it only when we started living together. We lost all hope when someone guided us to take him to a drug addiction and rehabilitation center. It helped us. Today he is completely sober. After my husband became free from drug addiction, we also helped my mother’s son undergo a de-addiction course at the same place. He also recovered successfully.”
Balwinder Kaur from Buttar Kalan village in Moga also shared her family’s experience. She said: “Addiction has destroyed our family emotionally and financially. Counseling taught us that recovery is a journey in which the entire family plays a role. I took my husband to an addiction treatment center. Today my husband is completely sober. And not only him, another boy from our area who was addicted to heroin has successfully recovered.”
The government said such experiences demonstrate how women often become motivators, caregivers and advisors during the recovery process. She added that many beneficiaries also encourage neighbors and relatives to seek treatment.
The government says family counseling is an integral part of getting rid of addiction
The government said family counseling has become an essential component of treatment in government-run anti-addiction centers to promote long-term recovery.
Ludhiana district nodal psychiatrist Dr Arvind Goyal said recovery is more successful when supported by family members.
“Recovery from drug dependence is most successful when treatment is complemented by a strong support system at home. While the government has enhanced access to free treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation services throughout the state, the involvement of family members remains critical. Families provide emotional support, encourage adherence to treatment, help individuals overcome setbacks, and create an environment that enables long-term change. In many cases, we have seen mothers, wives, and sisters play a pivotal role in motivating individuals to stay on track. Addiction recovery is a team effort where families Often the strongest partners in rebuilding a life.
Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Behind every successful recovery, there is a family, a community and a government system that chooses hope and compassion. Mothers, wives and sisters have become the torchbearers of change towards a healthy, addiction-free Rangela Punjab. The success of Yud Nashan Virud of the MAN government lies in making anti-addiction a grassroots movement, and we will continue to highlight the voices of women who are driving this change.”
The government said the campaign aims to strengthen awareness, treatment and rehabilitation efforts while encouraging greater community participation in tackling drug abuse across Punjab.
