Visakhapatnam police help 24 recovering addicts secure livelihoods
The Visakhapatnam City Police have facilitated employment and self-employment for 24 persons recovering from drug and alcohol addiction as part of a rehabilitation initiative aimed at supporting their reintegration into society and curbing substance abuse.
Addressing a rehabilitation programme for recovering addicts at the conference hall near A.R. Ground here on Monday, Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha commended the city police for identifying persons with substance dependence, providing counselling, facilitating treatment at recognised de-addiction centres, and helping them rebuild their lives through livelihood support.
She said the initiative adopted a comprehensive approach by combining treatment, rehabilitation, and employment, and would contribute to the goal of making Visakhapatnam a drug-free city.
Police Commissioner Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi said police personnel, under the supervision of the Police Control Room (PCR), identified persons with drug dependency across the Commissionerate limits and counselled them on the harmful effects of substance abuse and the benefits of de-addiction treatment.
Those willing to undergo treatment were referred to recognised institutions, including Green Valley Foundation, SEED Organisation’s New Life Integrated Rehabilitation Centre (IRCA), and the Drug De-Addiction Centre at King George Hospital.
After completing treatment and rehabilitation, the beneficiaries were connected to livelihood opportunities with support from private organisations and voluntary agencies, enabling financial independence and helping reduce the risk of relapse.
Of the 24 beneficiaries, 17 secured jobs in manufacturing, hospitality, security services, fish processing, and other sectors. The remaining seven were assisted with self-employment, with three receiving auto-rickshaws and four provided with two-wheelers to earn a livelihood through app-based delivery and transport services.
Dr. Bagchi said the initiative was designed to restore recovering addicts to mainstream society through counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and livelihood support while helping curb drug abuse, reduce drug-related crime, and enhance public safety in the city.