Policeman spends decades helping young drug users in N. China

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02:47

It’s a whole new beginning for 28 year old Wang Chao, who has been receiving treatment in the Provincial Compulsory Rehab Center in the city of Taiyuan, capital of northern China’s Shanxi Province.

Wang Chao first used drugs when he was 17 years old. “It was out of curiosity and I felt it was a cool thing to do in nightclubs. Simple as that, I didn’t expect it could be so harmful”, Chao said.

This is Chao’s second trip to this rehab center, barely two years removed from his first visit. Drug addiction had robbed him of everything; his job, money, health and family love.

“Last time, I still hadn’t quit the addition psychologically. Drugs still had a big appeal to me”, Chao recalled.

Wang Chao loves playing guitar during his rehab. /CGTN Photo

But they’re less appealing to Chao today, thanks to the help of Zhang Junhe, a police officer working in this rehab center. He not only helped Chao take care of his family during his first stay, he bought him a nice guitar and made him the lead singer of the band in the rehab center.

Chao said that “he’s already become a family member of mine. He’s given me so much”. Chao cried all the way on his second trip to the rehab center as he felt he disappointed Officer Zhang. Despite feeling angry at first, Zhang was determined to help him.

“He’s a natural singer. If not for using drugs, I think he could have become a great singer. I didn’t expect that he would relapse. But I won’t give him up”, Zhang said.

Former drug users formed a band in the compulsory rehab center. /CGTN Photo

In the past two decades, Zhang has helped more than 500 drug users, and continues to do so. He respects them as friends and family members, spending much of his personal time travelling to visit them after their rehab. He also helps them find new jobs and get re-integrated into society.

“Acts of kindness can help change a person’s fate and a family’s fate. This is how meaningful and worthwhile our work is”, Zhang said.

Zhang Junhe was paying a visit to a former drug user. /CGTN Photo‍

The sincere efforts from Zhang and his colleagues have paid off. A recent survey found the rate of those quitting following time in the rehab center increased to 23 percent, up 6 percent from five years ago.

Chao will soon be released from the rehab center in August, three months in advance for good behavior. In a letter he wrote to himself in the future, he said he doesn’t want much but just to quit drugs forever and live a normal life with his family.