Country making progress in helping addicts

Beyond its tough anti-drug efforts, China has been making efforts to improve its drug rehabilitation system. In a rehab center in Shanxi province, calligraphy, painting, music and traditional Chinese classics have helped people suffering from drug addiction.

"The hardest part of the process is that one needs to fight against himself. So we teach our residents calligraphy, painting and music so they can give up drugs gradually," said Zhang Junhe, an official at the center.

Chen Lin, 28, started abusing drugs three years ago. He spent all his money and was bogged down in debt. Fortunately, an officer discovered his musical talent at the center and helped him start a band there.

"I began to develop my hobby again and I'm off drugs now. I can be discharged in three months. I miss my wife and child so much," Chen said.

In the Ningxia Hui autonomous region, local anti-drug departments and volunteers are helping children who have been affected by drug-addicted family members.

"Those families are always very poor. Some parents have been sent to compulsory detoxification centers or imprisoned. Children from such families often lack parental supervision and care, and are easily affected by negative factors. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of them and prevent them from following suit," said Xiong Yan of a local public security department.

Volunteers from community drug rehab centers in Wuzhong, Ningxia, have offered tutoring and psychological guidance for affected children since 2016. Many of them are now more optimistic and confident.

"I made such a big mistake, but so many people have helped me get better. There's no reason I won't cherish my life," said a father of two who recently returned home from rehab.

"Holding the hands of those affected children, as well as their parents, we can steer the children away from drugs and adverse environments. Meanwhile, the parents can feel the warmth from society, so they can get back on track earlier," Xiong said.

An anti-drug big data center created in Yunnan province last month is helping to solve drug cases, local police said on Monday.

The Ministry of Public Security and the provincial public security department jointly launched the center, which aims to solve drug cases using new technologies, including big data, cloud computing and the internet of things. It will serve as a national drug control database.

Based on information provided by the center, more than 280 drug trafficking suspects and 80 drug dealers have been arrested. Around 70 drug gangs have been busted, along with more than 900 drug addicts.