According to a 2018 China Drug Report, the country is home to more than two million drug users. While the number of new users dropped by over 26 percent since 2017, many still need help. Of the 280,000 drug users in compulsory rehab centers, some are turning their lives around. CGTN reporter Hu Chao introduces us to some, and to the people they thank for their strength.

A drum performance, one of several cultural activities held in a women's rehab center in northern Chinas Shanxi Province. Some female police officers have been taking care of former drug users here. Zhang Hong got addicted to drugs after using them along with her husband in 2009. She came to rehab for a second time. With both parents becoming addicts, their 13-year-old daughter has been brought up by her grandparents.

'ZHANG HONG', FORMER DRUG USER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "After coming here for a second time, my daughter refuses to visit or speak to me. She also gave up her favorite hobby of dancing."

Zhang's daughter became quite the dancing talent after learning it for ten years. But Zhang and her husband's drug use depleted all of the family's savings. Zhang says her mother remains very disappointed with her and also fell seriously ill.

'ZHANG HONG', FORMER DRUG USER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "I miss my mother and daughter the most, and I am so sorry to both of them. I'm determined to quit drugs this time. Or else, I will have no family. My child will leave me and my parents won't be happy nor live long."

The love and care Zhang has received from the rehab center is another drive for her to make a change. Lei Hongzhen has been working in the rehab center for 25 years.

'ZHANG HONG', FORMER DRUG USER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "Lei Hongzhen stayed with me in the hospital when I was having a surgery. I felt so scared then. She held my hand and comforted me the whole time."

What's interesting is the mother-child relationship between Lei and the former users here.

'ZHANG HONG', FORMER DRUG USER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "We call her Mother Lei. She's just like our mother. She takes care of all aspects of our lives here."

LEI HONGZHEN, POLICE OFFICER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "I treat them as my own children, regardless of whether they're older or younger than me."

'ZHANG HONG', FORMER DRUG USER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "No matter how busy she is, she always makes the time to listen to us and talk to us. She always comforts us during our mood swings and helps to solve family problems."

LEI HONGZHEN, POLICE OFFICER SHANXI COMPULSORY REHAB CENTER FOR WOMEN "They made mistakes in the past and often feel helpless. I hope I can help them to be happy and achieve progress in quitting drugs and making different choices in the future."

Hu Chao, CGTN, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province.