Bring Mental Health Care to Cambodians

A young man, 26 years, has been chained in the dark room of the house. He is the youngest son in the family. He finished 1^st year university and then gave up because of his addiction problem.

During 5-year addiction, he stole his chicken raised by his family, money and other properties for buying Amphetamine, and stole neighbors’ properties. Then his family sent him to a center, Drug Addict Relief Treatment-Education Training Association (DTA), in the city for drug detoxification for 3 months.

He was sent back home and he still used Amphetamine. Meanwhile his initial signs and symptoms consisted of talking alone, laughing without reason, committing violence, poor insight, hearing voice, no sleeping. His mother was injured by his aggressive behaviors. Meanwhile he was sent to see some doctors and traditional healers, but no improvement.  Then his family requested commune police to arrest and chain him in the dark room for 2 years for preventing from his harmful behavior. His family felt hopeless for recovery.

After TPO staff shared information on TV Live show program about Operation Unchained Project, the commune police contacted and reported about this case to TPO. Psychiatrist made assessment and prescribed medicine and psychologist did awareness raising with local authority and villagers about effective treatment for mental disorders and an importance of their participation in treatment process.

After getting the treatment for 7 months, he was better and asked his mother to release him. His family said that they are very excited because they have never expected for his recovery. They considered TPO like God that come to save his life. They thanked all individuals who donate to TPO for helping people who are chained or locked up.