“A normal day now begins with a schedule. Some chores, some talking, and ‘letting out’ sessions with professional treatment. It was very tough initially, the withdrawal phase: The sleepless nights, the craving, the detoxing and what not. My friends and family helped me a lot but they still have trust issues, which is natural. I have relapsed before. But I have been clean for a year now and I am looking forward to facing the world. I feel healthy.”

 Addiction doesn’t always last a lifetime. Many people recover, mostly on their own. Old habits die hard, and forming a new one can be challenging. What these residential rehabilitation centers do is build up a routine, a new habit. The intense program of support and care for the sufferers inside is aimed at creating for them a healthier community and an optimistic future.

 The recovery journeys are common, as all are essentially on the same boat. The vices may differ, but the acts of ‘cleaning up’ and ‘new beginnings’ are the same, as they together build up courage.