PREAH SIHANOUK: Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation Chea Somethy spoke to a group of drug addicts in treatment while leading a team to inspect the progress of a drug treatment center in the Preah Sihanouk Province on September 25. He encouraged the recovering addicts to stay physically active, be patient and trust that society will not discriminate against former drug users.

The minister expressed hope that those receiving drug rehabilitation services will recover soon and reunite with their families. He told them that they should leave behind their old stories and strive towards a better future as a good person and a resource for the nation, which he likened to a bamboo plant.

Located about half an hour north of Sihanoukville, the National Centre for Voluntary and Community-based Treatment Service and Rehabilitation for Drug Addicts in Keo Phos can receive up to 2,000 patients. The center serves under the Ministry of Social Affairs to provide rehabilitation, education, and vocational training to help addicts reintegrate into their families and the community. It accepts patients on a voluntary basis but also at the request of families, authorities, the courts or organizations. The center provides physical and mental rehabilitation services to all kinds of drug addicts so that they can recover in accordance with regulations and receive necessary medical treatment.