A former Church-run drug rehabilitation center for men in Dhaka is now working wonders for many of Bangladesh’s female addicts.

Ashokti Punorbashon Nibash (APON) has brought light back to hundreds of women whose lives have been darkened by drug abuse.

Originally set up for men in 1994 by American Holy Cross Brother Ronald Frederick Drahozal, it became the first center to help female drug abusers in 2005.

The center is currently helping 25 women addicts kick their habit and can accommodate 40 patients.

“In five years, the center has treated 430 female addicts. They are now drug free and leading a normal life,” said APON supervisor Luna Begum.

Many of the women have been cast out by their families or are sex workers, she said.

APON’s counselors not only help rid them of their addiction but also try to find them employment and have their families take them back, Begum said.

“More addicts will get their lives back if their husbands, relatives and families extend a helping hand to them,” said Brother Drahozal.

Morjina Begum, 25, says APON has been a blessing.

“I started taking drugs following rows with my husband and I eventually lost my family and was forced onto the streets,” she said.

APON helped cure her addiction and two months ago gave her a job looking after addicts here, said Begum. “I’m grateful to Brother Drahozal for helping me begin a new life.”

Jasmine Akter, 24, became an addict after falling in with bad company.

“I came here about a month ago. I was using marijuana, heroin and was drinking heavily. I had a happy family life and drug addiction completely destroyed it,” she told ucanews.com.

“I came to APON and it has opened my eyes. I also learned how easily drug abuse can kill. I had been in hell but now I’ve found paradise,” Akter said.

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