Mukti
Backdrop of the genesis of the center:
MUKTI Foundation came about as an attempt
on the part of recovered addicts/ ex drug users to try and provide services to addicts
who wish to come out of the clutches of addiction. Since, most of the people who are a
part of the Mukti Foundation found their escape from drugs through the help of the self-
support groups and they strongly lean upon the spiritual principles laid by the groups.
What is unique about this center?
The most unique and powerful aspect of this de-addiction center is that the addicts are
under the care and protection of ex-addicts who have already been through the process
of addiction, de-addiction and the struggle to lead a clean life. Everyone at each level of
administration starting from the Chairman, project manager, counselor and even the
cook and ward boy are ex-addicts. The understanding thus, is much better and the
addicts can relate better to the people trying to help them. The establishment of a
rapport, a connection and a belief in the people working for them is much faster
because in the case of addicts it is very important to believe that they can lead a clean
life. Also, the establishment of a connection is very important because in the addict’s
mind if he/she doesn’t trust the people helping them the entire process remains futile;
the addict will only be a passive and not an active listener. There are negotiations on
liberty of the addicts in terms of free time or entertainment. This also ensures
employability of the addicts. So it also provides livelihood options and a never-ending
support system.
Who is an addict?
The drug generates physical and psychological dependence in the addict. There is a
significant shift from the phase of misuse to abuse. Initial use gives way to regular
dependence on the substance. An addict shows withdrawal symptoms characterized by
physical pain when the intake of the drug is stopped. An addict is a person totally
controlled by drugs. What is dysfunctional for a normal person is functional in case of an
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addict. It means dependence on drugs for a day to day living is normal for an addict to
an extent where a heavy dose of drug is required for an addict to be ‘normal’. The
organization works with addiction as a treatable disease where the apt medical and
psychological can help the individuals refrain from further drug use.
Demographic composition of the centre: The centre consists of addicts in different phases i.e. initial, middle and end phase of their treatment. The residents in the initial stage show denial, depression or aggression. The residents who come to the centre unwillingly are more angry and aggressive than the others. In the middle phase there is a transition in the thought process, a subtle realization and the residents relate more to the process of treatment. In the end stage the resident is in total connection with the method of treatment and there is active listening and internalization as opposed to bland hearing out the counselor.
Number of Residents: At any given point of time there are approximately 25 patients in one centre at any given time. The patients come from various socio-economic and occupational backgrounds brought together because of their addiction that they were unable to come over on their own. An analysis of the residents shows some of the aspects of addiction and treatment.
2- Drug-Deaddiction project under DISHA Scheme MUKTI Foundation is one of the five organizations in the state to be awarded and implementing the De-Addiction project under DISHA Scheme which is supported by SSEPD, Govt. of Odisha from February 2024. The current project period is for three years i.e. from February 20124 to March 2027, which is expected to be continued for a longer period. The implementation of project activities are initiated in February 2024 with a 30 bedded Drug Deaddiction cum Rehabilitation center in Khordha. The project confines to Khordha District wherein nearly 400-500 people are expected to be availing the service in a year.
The goal of Mukti Foundation is to promote participation, self- reliant, environmentally sustainable development of the poor to help them alleviate poverty and achieve their potential and empowerment.